Generative artificial intelligence(AI),as an emerging paradigm in content generation,has demonstrated its great potentials in creating high-fidelity data including images,texts,and videos.Nowadays wireless networks an...Generative artificial intelligence(AI),as an emerging paradigm in content generation,has demonstrated its great potentials in creating high-fidelity data including images,texts,and videos.Nowadays wireless networks and applications have been rapidly evolving from achieving“connected things”to embracing“connected intelligence”.Generative AI has been recognized as a fundamentally innovative technology to drive the advancement of intelligent wireless communications and networks.展开更多
Dormancy represents a fascinating adaptive strategy for organisms to survive in unforgiving environments.After a period of dormancy,organisms often exhibit exceptional resilience.This period is typically divided into ...Dormancy represents a fascinating adaptive strategy for organisms to survive in unforgiving environments.After a period of dormancy,organisms often exhibit exceptional resilience.This period is typically divided into hibernation and aestivation based on seasonal patterns.However,the mechanisms by which organisms adapt to their environments during dormancy,as well as the potential relationships between different states of dormancy,deserve further exploration.Here,we selected Perccottus glenii and Protopterus annectens as the primary subjects to study hibernation and aestivation,respectively.Based on histological and transcriptomic analysis of multiple organs,we discovered that dormancy involved a coordinated functional response across organs.Enrichment analyses revealed noteworthy disparities between the two dormant species in their responses to extreme temperatures.Notably,similarities in gene expression patterns pertaining to energy metabolism,neural activity,and biosynthesis were noted during hibernation,suggesting a potential correlation between hibernation and aestivation.To further explore the relationship between these two phenomena,we analyzed other dormancy-capable species using data from publicly available databases.This comparative analysis revealed that most orthologous genes involved in metabolism,cell proliferation,and neural function exhibited consistent expression patterns during dormancy,indicating that the observed similarity between hibernation and aestivation may be attributable to convergent evolution.In conclusion,this study enhances our comprehension of the dormancy phenomenon and offers new insights into the molecular mechanisms underpinning vertebrate dormancy.展开更多
AIM:To compare and analyse the diagnostic efficacy of the College of Optometrists Vision Development Quality of Life Questionnaire(COVD-QOL)and the Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey(CISS)in detecting convergenc...AIM:To compare and analyse the diagnostic efficacy of the College of Optometrists Vision Development Quality of Life Questionnaire(COVD-QOL)and the Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey(CISS)in detecting convergence insufficiency and to compare their diagnostic value in clinical applications.METHODS:Using the diagnostic test method,62 adult patients with convergence insufficiency(age:24.74±3.75y)and 62 normal participants(age:23.61±3.13y)who visited the Optometry Clinic of West China Hospital of Sichuan University from April 2021 to January 2023 were included.All subjects completed the CISS and COVD-QOL.Statistical analysis of the sensitivity and specificity of the CISS and COVD-QOL and comparison and joint experimental analysis of their diagnostic efficacy were performed.RESULTS:The sensitivity of the CISS and COVD-QOL for convergence insufficiency was 64.5%and 71.0%,respectively,while the specificity was 96.8%and 67.7%,respectively.Compared to the CISS alone,the combination of the CISS and COVD-QOL demonstrated lower sensitivity and specificity.The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of CISS,COVD-QOL and CISS combined with COVD-QOL were 0.806,0.694 and 0.782,respectively.CONCLUSION:Considering the low sensitivity of the CISS and the low specificity of the COVD-QOL,it is recommended to supplement these questionnaires with other screening tests for the detection of convergence insufficiency.展开更多
In this paper,we study the one-dimensional motion of viscous gas near a vacuum,with the gas connecting to a vacuum state with a jump in density.The interface behavior,the pointwise decay rates of the density function ...In this paper,we study the one-dimensional motion of viscous gas near a vacuum,with the gas connecting to a vacuum state with a jump in density.The interface behavior,the pointwise decay rates of the density function and the expanding rates of the interface are obtained with the viscosity coefficientμ(ρ)=ρ^(α)for any 0<α<1;this includes the timeweighted boundedness from below and above.The smoothness of the solution is discussed.Moreover,we construct a class of self-similar classical solutions which exhibit some interesting properties,such as optimal estimates.The present paper extends the results in[Luo T,Xin Z P,Yang T.SIAM J Math Anal,2000,31(6):1175-1191]to the jump boundary conditions case with density-dependent viscosity.展开更多
The mesoscale eddy(ME)has a significant influence on the convergence effect in deep-sea acoustic propagation.This paper use statistical approaches to express quantitative relationships between the ME conditions and co...The mesoscale eddy(ME)has a significant influence on the convergence effect in deep-sea acoustic propagation.This paper use statistical approaches to express quantitative relationships between the ME conditions and convergence zone(CZ)characteristics.Based on the Gaussian vortex model,we construct various sound propagation scenarios under different eddy conditions,and carry out sound propagation experiments to obtain simulation samples.With a large number of samples,we first adopt the unified regression to set up analytic relationships between eddy conditions and CZ parameters.The sensitivity of eddy indicators to the CZ is quantitatively analyzed.Then,we adopt the machine learning(ML)algorithms to establish prediction models of CZ parameters by exploring the nonlinear relationships between multiple ME indicators and CZ parameters.Through the research,we can express the influence of ME on the CZ quantitatively,and achieve the rapid prediction of CZ parameters in ocean eddies.The prediction accuracy(R)of the CZ distance(mean R:0.9815)is obviously better than that of the CZ width(mean R:0.8728).Among the three ML algorithms,Gradient Boosting Decision Tree has the best prediction ability(root mean square error(RMSE):0.136),followed by Random Forest(RMSE:0.441)and Extreme Learning Machine(RMSE:0.518).展开更多
This study evaluated the genetic and agronomic parameter estimates of maize under different nitrogen rates. The trial was established at the Njala Agricultural Research Centre experimental site during 2021 and 2022 in...This study evaluated the genetic and agronomic parameter estimates of maize under different nitrogen rates. The trial was established at the Njala Agricultural Research Centre experimental site during 2021 and 2022 in a split block design with three maize varieties (IWCD2, 2009EVDT, and DMR-ESR-Yellow) and seven nitrogen (0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 kg∙N∙ha<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup>) rates. Findings showed that cob diameter and anthesis silking time (ASI) had intermediate heritability, ASI had high genetic advance, ASI and grain yield had high genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), while traits with high phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) were plant height, ASI, grain yield, number of kernel per cob, number of kernel rows, ear length, and ear height. The PCV values were higher than GCV, indicating the influence of the environment in the studied traits. Nitrogen rates and variety significantly (p < 0.05) influenced grain yield production. Mean grain yields and economic parameter estimates increased with increasing nitrogen rates, with the 30 and 180 kg∙N∙ha<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup> plots exhibiting the lowest and highest grain yields of 1238 kg∙ha<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup> and 2098 kg∙ha<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup>, respectively. Variety and nitrogen effects on partial factor productivity (PFP<sub>N</sub>), agronomic efficiency (AEN), net returns (NR), value cost ratio (VCR) and marginal return (MR) indicated that these parameters were significantly affected (p < 0.05) by these factors. The highest PFP<sub>N</sub> (41.3 kg grain kg<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup>∙N) and AEN (29.4 kg grain kg<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup>∙N) were obtained in the 30 kg∙N∙ha<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup> plots, while the highest VCR (2.8) and MR (SLL 1.8 SLL<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup> spent on N) were obtained in the 180 kg∙N∙ha<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup>. The significant influence of variety and nitrogen on traits suggests that increasing yields and maximizing profits require use of appropriate nitrogen fertilization and improved farming practices that could be exploited for increased productivity of maize.展开更多
This paper aims to interpret the connotation of high-quality development of tourism economy(HQTE)from the perspective of the new development concepts of innovation,coordination,green,openness and sharing,and then to e...This paper aims to interpret the connotation of high-quality development of tourism economy(HQTE)from the perspective of the new development concepts of innovation,coordination,green,openness and sharing,and then to evaluate the spatial differenti-ation of China’s HQTE based on provincial panel data from 2009 to 2018.Specifically,we employ the spatial convergence model to ex-plore the absolute and conditionalβconvergence trends of HQTE in the whole country and the eastern,central and western regions of China.Our empirical results reveal that:1)within the decade,from 2009 to 2018,regions of China with the highest HQTE index is its eastern region followed by the central region and then the western region,but the fastest growing one is the western region of China fol-lowed by the central region and then the eastern region.2)Whether or not the spatial effect is included,there are absolute and condition-alβconvergence in HQTE in the whole country and aforementioned three regions.3)The degree of government attention as well as the level of economic development and location accessibility are the positive driving factors for the convergence of HQTE in the whole country and the three regions.The degree of marketization and human capital have not passed the significance test either in the whole country or in the three regions.The above conclusions could deepen the understanding of the regional imbalance and spatial conver-gence characteristics of HQTE,clarify the primary development objects,and accomplish the goal of China’s HQTE.展开更多
In this article we consider the asymptotic behavior of extreme distribution with the extreme value index γ>0 . The rates of uniform convergence for Fréchet distribution are constructed under the second-order ...In this article we consider the asymptotic behavior of extreme distribution with the extreme value index γ>0 . The rates of uniform convergence for Fréchet distribution are constructed under the second-order regular variation condition.展开更多
The dynamic spalling characteristics of rock are important for stability analysis in rock engineering.This paper presented an experimental investigation on the dynamic spalling characteristics of granite with differen...The dynamic spalling characteristics of rock are important for stability analysis in rock engineering.This paper presented an experimental investigation on the dynamic spalling characteristics of granite with different temperatures and strain rates.A series of dynamic spalling tests with different impact velocities were conducted on thermally treated granite at different temperatures.The dynamic spalling strengths of granite with different temperatures and strain rates were determined.A model was proposed to correlate the dynamic spalling strength of granite,high temperature and strain rate.The results show that the spalling strength of granite decreases with increasing temperature.Moreover,the spalling strength of granite with a higher strain rate is larger than that with a lower strain rate.The proposed model can describe the relationship among dynamic spalling strength of granite,high temperature and strain rate.展开更多
BACKGROUND Resistance to clarithromycin(CLA)and levofloxacin(LFX)of Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)is increasing in severity,and successful eradication is essential.Presently,the eradication success rate has greatly dec...BACKGROUND Resistance to clarithromycin(CLA)and levofloxacin(LFX)of Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)is increasing in severity,and successful eradication is essential.Presently,the eradication success rate has greatly declined,leaving a large number of patients with previous treatment histories.AIM To investigate secondary resistance rates,explore risk factors for antibiotic resistance,and assess the efficacy of susceptibility-guided therapy.METHODS We recruited 154 subjects positive for Urea Breath Test who attended The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University between July 2022 and April 2023.Participants underwent a string test after an overnight fast.The gastric juice was obtained and transferred to vials containing storage solution.Subsequently,DNA extraction and the specific DNA amplification were performed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qPCR).Demographic information was also analyzed as part of the study.Based on these results,the participants were administered susceptibility-guided treatment.Efficacy was compared with that of the empiric treatment group.RESULTS A total of 132 individuals tested positive for the H.pylori ureA gene by qPCR technique.CLA resistance rate reached a high level of 82.6%(n=109),LFX resistance rate was 69.7%(n=92)and dual resistance was 62.1%(n=82).Gastric symptoms[odds ratio(OR)=2.782;95%confidence interval(95%CI):1.076-7.194;P=0.035]and rural residence(OR=5.152;95%CI:1.407-18.861;P=0.013)were independent risk factors for secondary resistance to CLA and LFX,respectively.A total of 102 and 100 individuals received susceptibility-guided therapies and empiric treatment,respectively.The antibiotic susceptibility-guided treatment and empiric treatment groups achieved successful eradication rates of 75.5%(77/102)and 59.0%(59/411)by the intention-to-treat(ITT)analysis and 90.6%(77/85)and 70.2%(59/84)by the per-protocol(PP)analysis,respectively.The eradication rates of these two treatment strategies were significantly different in both ITT(P=0.001)and PP(P=0.012)analyses.CONCLUSION H.pylori presented high secondary resistance rates to CLA and LFX.For patients with previous treatment failures,treatments should be guided by antibiotic susceptibility tests or regional antibiotic resistance profile.展开更多
Diospyros texana (Texas persimmon) is a secondary species in most Juniperus ashei/Quercus fusiformis woodlands in central Texas. It has high density, but plants are mostly in the community understory. Light response c...Diospyros texana (Texas persimmon) is a secondary species in most Juniperus ashei/Quercus fusiformis woodlands in central Texas. It has high density, but plants are mostly in the community understory. Light response curves at ambient and elevated levels of CO<sub>2</sub> and temperature were measured for D. texana. The A<sub>net</sub> (photosynthetic rate) increased significantly as both light level and CO<sub>2</sub> levels increased but not temperature. The A<sub>max</sub> (maximum photosynthetic rate) of D. texana in full sun at elevated levels of CO<sub>2</sub> was increased for all treatments. Stomatal conductance increased with levels of CO<sub>2</sub> but only if the interaction was removed from the model. Intercellular levels of CO<sub>2</sub> increased with both temperature and CO<sub>2</sub> treatments as did water use efficiency (WUE). Furthermore, light saturation (L<sub>sat</sub>) increased with CO<sub>2</sub> treatments and light compensation (L<sub>cp</sub>) increased with temperature. The dark respiration (R<sub>d</sub>) increased with both temperature and CO<sub>2</sub> treatments. Markov population models suggested D. texana populations would remain ecologically similar in the future. However, sub-canopy light levels and herbivory should be considered when examining population projections. For example, Juniperus ashei juveniles are not recruited into any canopy unless there are high light levels. Herbivory reduces the success of Quercus juveniles from reaching the canopy. These factors do not seem to be a problem for D. texana juveniles which would allow them to reach the canopy without need of a high light gap and are not prevented by herbivory. Thus, Juniperus/Quercus woodlands will change in the future to woodlands with D. texana a more common species.展开更多
Offset-tracking is an essential method for deriving glacier flow rates using optical imagery.Sentinel-2(S2)and Landsat-8/9(L8/9)are popular optical satellites or constellations for polar studies,offering high spatial ...Offset-tracking is an essential method for deriving glacier flow rates using optical imagery.Sentinel-2(S2)and Landsat-8/9(L8/9)are popular optical satellites or constellations for polar studies,offering high spatial resolution with relatively short revisit time,wide swath width,and free accessibility.To evaluate and compare the precision of offset-tracking results yielded with these two kinds of data,in this study S2 and L8/9 imagery observed in Petermann Glacier in Greenland,Karakoram in High-Mountains Asia,and Amery Ice Shelf in the Antarctic are analyzed.Outliers and various systematic error sources in the offset-tracking results including orbital and strip errors were analyzed and eliminated at the pre-process stage.Precision at the off-glacier(bare rock)region was evaluated by presuming that no deformation occurred;then for both glacierized and the off-glacier regions,precision of velocity time series was evaluated based on error propagation theory.The least squares method based on connected components was used to solve flow rates time series based on multi-pair images offset-tracking.The results indicated that S2 achieved slightly higher precision than L8/9 in terms of both single-pair derived displacements and least square solved daily flow rates time series.Generally,the RMSE of daily velocity is 26%lower for S2 than L8/9.Moreover,S2 provided higher temporal resolution for monitoring glacier flow rates.展开更多
The Fourier series of the 2π-periodic functions tg(x2)and 1sin(x)and some of their relatives (first of their integrals) are investigated and illustrated with respect to their convergence. These functions are Generali...The Fourier series of the 2π-periodic functions tg(x2)and 1sin(x)and some of their relatives (first of their integrals) are investigated and illustrated with respect to their convergence. These functions are Generalized functions and the convergence is weak convergence in the sense of the convergence of continuous linear functionals defining them. The figures show that the approximations of the Fourier series possess oscillations around the function which they represent in a broad band embedding them. This is some analogue to the Gibbs phenomenon. A modification of Fourier series by expansion in powers cosn(x)for the symmetric part of functions and sin(x)cosn−1(x)for the antisymmetric part (analogous to Taylor series) is discussed and illustrated by examples. The Fourier series and their convergence behavior are illustrated also for some 2π-periodic delta-function-like sequences connected with the Poisson theorem showing non-vanishing oscillations around the singularities similar to the Gibbs phenomenon in the neighborhood of discontinuities of functions. .展开更多
The extruded AZ80+0.4%Ce magnesium alloy was twisted in the temperature range of 300-380℃by using a Gleeble 3500 thermal simulation test machine with a torsion unit.The deformed cylindrical specimens were cooled at a...The extruded AZ80+0.4%Ce magnesium alloy was twisted in the temperature range of 300-380℃by using a Gleeble 3500 thermal simulation test machine with a torsion unit.The deformed cylindrical specimens were cooled at a cooling rate of 10℃/s or 0.1℃/s,respectively,and aged at 170℃.The microstructure analysis results showed that the grain size decreased with increasing specimen radial position from center(SRPC),and that the strong initial basal texture of the extruded magnesium alloy was weakened.Both continuous and discontinuous dynamic recrystallization mechanisms were involved in contributing to the grain refinement for all specimens investigated.And a novel extension twinning induced dynamic recrystallization mechanism was proposed for specimen deformed at 300℃.For the specimens deformed at 300℃and 340℃followed by a slow cooling rate(0.1℃/s),precipitates of various shapes(β-Mg_(17)Al_(12)),with the dominant precipitates being on the grains boundaries,appeared on the surface section.For specimen deformed at 380℃,lamellar precipitates(LPS)in the interiors of the grains were predominant.After aging,the LPS still dominated for specimens twisted at 380℃;however,the LPS gradually decreased with decreasing deformation temperatures from 380℃to 300℃.Dynamically precipitatedβ,especially those decorating the grain boundaries,changed the competition pictures for the LPS and precipitates of other shapes after aging.Interestingly,LPS dominated the areas for the center section of the specimens after aging regardless of deformation temperatures.Low temperature deformation with high SRPC followed by rapid cooling rate increased the micro hardness of the alloy after aging due to refined grain,reduced precipitates size,decreased lamellar spacing as well as strain hardening.展开更多
In recent years,there has been a significant acceleration in the thinning,calving and retreat of the Pine Island Ice Shelf(PIIS).The basal channels,results of enhanced basal melting,have the potential to significantly...In recent years,there has been a significant acceleration in the thinning,calving and retreat of the Pine Island Ice Shelf(PIIS).The basal channels,results of enhanced basal melting,have the potential to significantly impact the stability of the PIIS.In this study,we used a variety of remote sensing data,including Landsat,REMA DEM,ICESat-1 and ICESat-2 satellite altimetry observations,and Ice Bridge airborne measurements,to study the spatiotemporal changes in the basal channels from 2003 to 2020 and basal melt rate from 2010 to 2017 of the PIIS under the Eulerian framework.We found that the basal channels are highly developed in the PIIS,with a total length exceeding 450 km.Most of the basal channels are ocean-sourced or groundingline-sourced basal channels,caused by the rapid melting under the ice shelf or near the groundingline.A raised seabed prevented warm water intrusion into the eastern branch of the PIIS,resulting in a lower basal melt rate in that area.In contrast,a deepsea trough facilitates warm seawater into the mainstream and the western branch of the PIIS,resulting in a higher basal melt rate in the main-stream,and the surface elevation changes above the basal channels of the mainstream and western branch are more significant.The El Ni?o event in 2015–2016 possibly slowed down the basal melting of the PIIS by modulating wind field,surface sea temperature and depth seawater temperature.Ocean and atmospheric changes were driven by El Ni?o,which can further explain and confirm the changes in the basal melting of the PIIS.展开更多
Erosion as a natural process produces soils, which are very important natural resources for the fest land plant- and animal kingdoms. Loss of the soil cover reduces agricultural production, biodiversity, and the role ...Erosion as a natural process produces soils, which are very important natural resources for the fest land plant- and animal kingdoms. Loss of the soil cover reduces agricultural production, biodiversity, and the role of soil as a filter for infiltrating water to replenish the groundwater. It also threatens the food supplies. The knowledge of erosion rates of rocks and terrains is important for developing proactive measures to protect soils from erosion and loss. In this study, erosion rates of catchment areas were calculated based on dams’ catchment extensions and the sediment loads transported by flood flows into dams’ lakes. The study results show that the chemically, via floodwater, transported quantities of materials are negligible compared to the solid materials transported by the water. It calculates erosion rates ranging from 0.013 to 0.212 mm/yr (13 - 212 m/10<sup>6</sup> yr) for the different catchment areas. Erosion rates in Jordan are, generally, higher than those calculated for the different parts of the world ranging from 2.5 to 60 m/10<sup>6</sup> yr. This fact can be explained by the very steep topography, calcareous rock cover of the catchment areas and the barren rock exposures.展开更多
The experimental research programs of 1950s, to understand the adsorption of CO on W surfaces, changed to ab initio studies in 2000s. The goals were to seek improved practical applications. Most of the studies were ba...The experimental research programs of 1950s, to understand the adsorption of CO on W surfaces, changed to ab initio studies in 2000s. The goals were to seek improved practical applications. Most of the studies were based on density functional theory. Many studies also used programs, such as VASP (Vienna Abinitio simulation package) and CPMD. The computational procedures used plane wave approximations. This needed studies with selection of K points and cutoff energy selection to assure convergence in energy calculations. Observations and analysis of papers published from 2006 to 2022 indicate that the cutoff energies were selected arbitrarily without any needed convergence studies. By selecting a published 2006 paper, this paper has clearly showed that an arbitrary selection of cutoff energy, such as 460 eV, is not in the range of, cutoff energies that assure convergence of energy calculations, with ab initio methods and have indicated correction procedures. .展开更多
Objectives:Rural patients have poor cancer outcomes and clinical trial(CT)enrollment compared to urban patients due to attitudinal,awareness,and healthcare access differential.Knowledge of cancer survival disparities ...Objectives:Rural patients have poor cancer outcomes and clinical trial(CT)enrollment compared to urban patients due to attitudinal,awareness,and healthcare access differential.Knowledge of cancer survival disparities and CT enrollment is important for designing interventions and innovative approaches to address the stated barriers.The study explores the potential disparities in cancer survival rates and clinical trial enrollments in rural and urban breast and lung cancer patients.Our hypotheses are that for both cancer types,urban cancer patients will have longer 5-year survival rates and higher enrollment rates in clinical trials than those in rural counties.Methods:We compared breast and lung cancer patients’survival rates and enrollment ratios in clinical trials between rural(RUCC 4-9)and urban counties in Georgia at a Comprehensive Cancer Center(CCC).To assess these differences,we carried out a series of independent samples t-tests and Chi-Square tests.Results:The outcomes indicate comparable 5-year survival rates across rural and urban counties for breast and lung cancer patients,failing to substantiate our hypothesis.While clinical trial enrollment rates demonstrated a significant difference between breast and lung cancer patients at CCC,no significant variation was observed based on rural or urban classification.Conclusion:These findings underscore the need for further research into the representation of rural patients with diverse cancer types at CCC and other cancer centers.Further,the findings have considerable implications for the initiation of positive social change to improve CT participation and reduce cancer survival disparities.展开更多
Proximal gradient descent and its accelerated version are resultful methods for solving the sum of smooth and non-smooth problems. When the smooth function can be represented as a sum of multiple functions, the stocha...Proximal gradient descent and its accelerated version are resultful methods for solving the sum of smooth and non-smooth problems. When the smooth function can be represented as a sum of multiple functions, the stochastic proximal gradient method performs well. However, research on its accelerated version remains unclear. This paper proposes a proximal stochastic accelerated gradient (PSAG) method to address problems involving a combination of smooth and non-smooth components, where the smooth part corresponds to the average of multiple block sums. Simultaneously, most of convergence analyses hold in expectation. To this end, under some mind conditions, we present an almost sure convergence of unbiased gradient estimation in the non-smooth setting. Moreover, we establish that the minimum of the squared gradient mapping norm arbitrarily converges to zero with probability one.展开更多
BACKGROUND With stiff competition from alternative albeit more expensive counterparts,it has become important to establish the applicability of metallic anchors for shoulder instability in the modern era.This can be a...BACKGROUND With stiff competition from alternative albeit more expensive counterparts,it has become important to establish the applicability of metallic anchors for shoulder instability in the modern era.This can be accomplished,in part,by analysing long-term outcomes.AIM To analyse minimum 10-year outcomes from 30 patients following arthroscopic anterior stabilisation using metallic anchors.METHODS Prospectively collected data from arthroscopic Bankart repairs performed using metal anchors during 2007P-2010 were retrospectively analysed in this singlesurgeon study.Comprehensive data collection included historical and clinical findings,dislocation details,operative specifics,and follow-up radiological and clinical findings including shoulder scores.The primary outcomes were patientreported scores(Constant,American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons[ASES],and Rowe scores)and pain and instability on a visual analogue scale(VAS).RESULTS A 3% recurrence rate of dislocation was noted at the final follow-up.Total constant scores at 10 years postoperatively measured between 76 and 100(mean 89)were significantly better than preoperative scores(mean 62.7).Congruous improvements were also noted in the Rowe and ASES scores and VAS at the 10-year review.CONCLUSION Reliable long-term outcomes with metallic anchors in surgery for shoulder instability can be expected.Our results provide additional evidence of their continued,cost-effective presence in the modern scenario.展开更多
文摘Generative artificial intelligence(AI),as an emerging paradigm in content generation,has demonstrated its great potentials in creating high-fidelity data including images,texts,and videos.Nowadays wireless networks and applications have been rapidly evolving from achieving“connected things”to embracing“connected intelligence”.Generative AI has been recognized as a fundamentally innovative technology to drive the advancement of intelligent wireless communications and networks.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (32170480,31972866)Youth Innovation Promotion Association,Chinese Academy of Sciences (http://www.yicas.cn)+1 种基金Young Top-notch Talent Cultivation Program of Hubei ProvinceWuhan Branch,Supercomputing Center,Chinese Academy of Sciences,China。
文摘Dormancy represents a fascinating adaptive strategy for organisms to survive in unforgiving environments.After a period of dormancy,organisms often exhibit exceptional resilience.This period is typically divided into hibernation and aestivation based on seasonal patterns.However,the mechanisms by which organisms adapt to their environments during dormancy,as well as the potential relationships between different states of dormancy,deserve further exploration.Here,we selected Perccottus glenii and Protopterus annectens as the primary subjects to study hibernation and aestivation,respectively.Based on histological and transcriptomic analysis of multiple organs,we discovered that dormancy involved a coordinated functional response across organs.Enrichment analyses revealed noteworthy disparities between the two dormant species in their responses to extreme temperatures.Notably,similarities in gene expression patterns pertaining to energy metabolism,neural activity,and biosynthesis were noted during hibernation,suggesting a potential correlation between hibernation and aestivation.To further explore the relationship between these two phenomena,we analyzed other dormancy-capable species using data from publicly available databases.This comparative analysis revealed that most orthologous genes involved in metabolism,cell proliferation,and neural function exhibited consistent expression patterns during dormancy,indicating that the observed similarity between hibernation and aestivation may be attributable to convergent evolution.In conclusion,this study enhances our comprehension of the dormancy phenomenon and offers new insights into the molecular mechanisms underpinning vertebrate dormancy.
文摘AIM:To compare and analyse the diagnostic efficacy of the College of Optometrists Vision Development Quality of Life Questionnaire(COVD-QOL)and the Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey(CISS)in detecting convergence insufficiency and to compare their diagnostic value in clinical applications.METHODS:Using the diagnostic test method,62 adult patients with convergence insufficiency(age:24.74±3.75y)and 62 normal participants(age:23.61±3.13y)who visited the Optometry Clinic of West China Hospital of Sichuan University from April 2021 to January 2023 were included.All subjects completed the CISS and COVD-QOL.Statistical analysis of the sensitivity and specificity of the CISS and COVD-QOL and comparison and joint experimental analysis of their diagnostic efficacy were performed.RESULTS:The sensitivity of the CISS and COVD-QOL for convergence insufficiency was 64.5%and 71.0%,respectively,while the specificity was 96.8%and 67.7%,respectively.Compared to the CISS alone,the combination of the CISS and COVD-QOL demonstrated lower sensitivity and specificity.The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of CISS,COVD-QOL and CISS combined with COVD-QOL were 0.806,0.694 and 0.782,respectively.CONCLUSION:Considering the low sensitivity of the CISS and the low specificity of the COVD-QOL,it is recommended to supplement these questionnaires with other screening tests for the detection of convergence insufficiency.
基金supported by the NSFC(11931013)the GXNSF(2022GXNSFDA035078)。
文摘In this paper,we study the one-dimensional motion of viscous gas near a vacuum,with the gas connecting to a vacuum state with a jump in density.The interface behavior,the pointwise decay rates of the density function and the expanding rates of the interface are obtained with the viscosity coefficientμ(ρ)=ρ^(α)for any 0<α<1;this includes the timeweighted boundedness from below and above.The smoothness of the solution is discussed.Moreover,we construct a class of self-similar classical solutions which exhibit some interesting properties,such as optimal estimates.The present paper extends the results in[Luo T,Xin Z P,Yang T.SIAM J Math Anal,2000,31(6):1175-1191]to the jump boundary conditions case with density-dependent viscosity.
基金The National Natural Science Foundation of China under contract Nos 41875061 and 41775165.
文摘The mesoscale eddy(ME)has a significant influence on the convergence effect in deep-sea acoustic propagation.This paper use statistical approaches to express quantitative relationships between the ME conditions and convergence zone(CZ)characteristics.Based on the Gaussian vortex model,we construct various sound propagation scenarios under different eddy conditions,and carry out sound propagation experiments to obtain simulation samples.With a large number of samples,we first adopt the unified regression to set up analytic relationships between eddy conditions and CZ parameters.The sensitivity of eddy indicators to the CZ is quantitatively analyzed.Then,we adopt the machine learning(ML)algorithms to establish prediction models of CZ parameters by exploring the nonlinear relationships between multiple ME indicators and CZ parameters.Through the research,we can express the influence of ME on the CZ quantitatively,and achieve the rapid prediction of CZ parameters in ocean eddies.The prediction accuracy(R)of the CZ distance(mean R:0.9815)is obviously better than that of the CZ width(mean R:0.8728).Among the three ML algorithms,Gradient Boosting Decision Tree has the best prediction ability(root mean square error(RMSE):0.136),followed by Random Forest(RMSE:0.441)and Extreme Learning Machine(RMSE:0.518).
文摘This study evaluated the genetic and agronomic parameter estimates of maize under different nitrogen rates. The trial was established at the Njala Agricultural Research Centre experimental site during 2021 and 2022 in a split block design with three maize varieties (IWCD2, 2009EVDT, and DMR-ESR-Yellow) and seven nitrogen (0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 kg∙N∙ha<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup>) rates. Findings showed that cob diameter and anthesis silking time (ASI) had intermediate heritability, ASI had high genetic advance, ASI and grain yield had high genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), while traits with high phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) were plant height, ASI, grain yield, number of kernel per cob, number of kernel rows, ear length, and ear height. The PCV values were higher than GCV, indicating the influence of the environment in the studied traits. Nitrogen rates and variety significantly (p < 0.05) influenced grain yield production. Mean grain yields and economic parameter estimates increased with increasing nitrogen rates, with the 30 and 180 kg∙N∙ha<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup> plots exhibiting the lowest and highest grain yields of 1238 kg∙ha<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup> and 2098 kg∙ha<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup>, respectively. Variety and nitrogen effects on partial factor productivity (PFP<sub>N</sub>), agronomic efficiency (AEN), net returns (NR), value cost ratio (VCR) and marginal return (MR) indicated that these parameters were significantly affected (p < 0.05) by these factors. The highest PFP<sub>N</sub> (41.3 kg grain kg<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup>∙N) and AEN (29.4 kg grain kg<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup>∙N) were obtained in the 30 kg∙N∙ha<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup> plots, while the highest VCR (2.8) and MR (SLL 1.8 SLL<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup> spent on N) were obtained in the 180 kg∙N∙ha<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup>. The significant influence of variety and nitrogen on traits suggests that increasing yields and maximizing profits require use of appropriate nitrogen fertilization and improved farming practices that could be exploited for increased productivity of maize.
基金Under the auspices of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.42001156)。
文摘This paper aims to interpret the connotation of high-quality development of tourism economy(HQTE)from the perspective of the new development concepts of innovation,coordination,green,openness and sharing,and then to evaluate the spatial differenti-ation of China’s HQTE based on provincial panel data from 2009 to 2018.Specifically,we employ the spatial convergence model to ex-plore the absolute and conditionalβconvergence trends of HQTE in the whole country and the eastern,central and western regions of China.Our empirical results reveal that:1)within the decade,from 2009 to 2018,regions of China with the highest HQTE index is its eastern region followed by the central region and then the western region,but the fastest growing one is the western region of China fol-lowed by the central region and then the eastern region.2)Whether or not the spatial effect is included,there are absolute and condition-alβconvergence in HQTE in the whole country and aforementioned three regions.3)The degree of government attention as well as the level of economic development and location accessibility are the positive driving factors for the convergence of HQTE in the whole country and the three regions.The degree of marketization and human capital have not passed the significance test either in the whole country or in the three regions.The above conclusions could deepen the understanding of the regional imbalance and spatial conver-gence characteristics of HQTE,clarify the primary development objects,and accomplish the goal of China’s HQTE.
文摘In this article we consider the asymptotic behavior of extreme distribution with the extreme value index γ>0 . The rates of uniform convergence for Fréchet distribution are constructed under the second-order regular variation condition.
基金supported by the Beijing Natural Science Foundation,China(Grant No.JQ20039)National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.12172019).
文摘The dynamic spalling characteristics of rock are important for stability analysis in rock engineering.This paper presented an experimental investigation on the dynamic spalling characteristics of granite with different temperatures and strain rates.A series of dynamic spalling tests with different impact velocities were conducted on thermally treated granite at different temperatures.The dynamic spalling strengths of granite with different temperatures and strain rates were determined.A model was proposed to correlate the dynamic spalling strength of granite,high temperature and strain rate.The results show that the spalling strength of granite decreases with increasing temperature.Moreover,the spalling strength of granite with a higher strain rate is larger than that with a lower strain rate.The proposed model can describe the relationship among dynamic spalling strength of granite,high temperature and strain rate.
基金The study was reviewed and approved by the the Human Ethics Review Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University(Approval No.2021325).
文摘BACKGROUND Resistance to clarithromycin(CLA)and levofloxacin(LFX)of Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)is increasing in severity,and successful eradication is essential.Presently,the eradication success rate has greatly declined,leaving a large number of patients with previous treatment histories.AIM To investigate secondary resistance rates,explore risk factors for antibiotic resistance,and assess the efficacy of susceptibility-guided therapy.METHODS We recruited 154 subjects positive for Urea Breath Test who attended The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University between July 2022 and April 2023.Participants underwent a string test after an overnight fast.The gastric juice was obtained and transferred to vials containing storage solution.Subsequently,DNA extraction and the specific DNA amplification were performed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qPCR).Demographic information was also analyzed as part of the study.Based on these results,the participants were administered susceptibility-guided treatment.Efficacy was compared with that of the empiric treatment group.RESULTS A total of 132 individuals tested positive for the H.pylori ureA gene by qPCR technique.CLA resistance rate reached a high level of 82.6%(n=109),LFX resistance rate was 69.7%(n=92)and dual resistance was 62.1%(n=82).Gastric symptoms[odds ratio(OR)=2.782;95%confidence interval(95%CI):1.076-7.194;P=0.035]and rural residence(OR=5.152;95%CI:1.407-18.861;P=0.013)were independent risk factors for secondary resistance to CLA and LFX,respectively.A total of 102 and 100 individuals received susceptibility-guided therapies and empiric treatment,respectively.The antibiotic susceptibility-guided treatment and empiric treatment groups achieved successful eradication rates of 75.5%(77/102)and 59.0%(59/411)by the intention-to-treat(ITT)analysis and 90.6%(77/85)and 70.2%(59/84)by the per-protocol(PP)analysis,respectively.The eradication rates of these two treatment strategies were significantly different in both ITT(P=0.001)and PP(P=0.012)analyses.CONCLUSION H.pylori presented high secondary resistance rates to CLA and LFX.For patients with previous treatment failures,treatments should be guided by antibiotic susceptibility tests or regional antibiotic resistance profile.
文摘Diospyros texana (Texas persimmon) is a secondary species in most Juniperus ashei/Quercus fusiformis woodlands in central Texas. It has high density, but plants are mostly in the community understory. Light response curves at ambient and elevated levels of CO<sub>2</sub> and temperature were measured for D. texana. The A<sub>net</sub> (photosynthetic rate) increased significantly as both light level and CO<sub>2</sub> levels increased but not temperature. The A<sub>max</sub> (maximum photosynthetic rate) of D. texana in full sun at elevated levels of CO<sub>2</sub> was increased for all treatments. Stomatal conductance increased with levels of CO<sub>2</sub> but only if the interaction was removed from the model. Intercellular levels of CO<sub>2</sub> increased with both temperature and CO<sub>2</sub> treatments as did water use efficiency (WUE). Furthermore, light saturation (L<sub>sat</sub>) increased with CO<sub>2</sub> treatments and light compensation (L<sub>cp</sub>) increased with temperature. The dark respiration (R<sub>d</sub>) increased with both temperature and CO<sub>2</sub> treatments. Markov population models suggested D. texana populations would remain ecologically similar in the future. However, sub-canopy light levels and herbivory should be considered when examining population projections. For example, Juniperus ashei juveniles are not recruited into any canopy unless there are high light levels. Herbivory reduces the success of Quercus juveniles from reaching the canopy. These factors do not seem to be a problem for D. texana juveniles which would allow them to reach the canopy without need of a high light gap and are not prevented by herbivory. Thus, Juniperus/Quercus woodlands will change in the future to woodlands with D. texana a more common species.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant no.42371136)the Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation(Grant no.2021B1515020032)the Innovation Group Project of Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory(Zhuhai)(Grant no.311022003).
文摘Offset-tracking is an essential method for deriving glacier flow rates using optical imagery.Sentinel-2(S2)and Landsat-8/9(L8/9)are popular optical satellites or constellations for polar studies,offering high spatial resolution with relatively short revisit time,wide swath width,and free accessibility.To evaluate and compare the precision of offset-tracking results yielded with these two kinds of data,in this study S2 and L8/9 imagery observed in Petermann Glacier in Greenland,Karakoram in High-Mountains Asia,and Amery Ice Shelf in the Antarctic are analyzed.Outliers and various systematic error sources in the offset-tracking results including orbital and strip errors were analyzed and eliminated at the pre-process stage.Precision at the off-glacier(bare rock)region was evaluated by presuming that no deformation occurred;then for both glacierized and the off-glacier regions,precision of velocity time series was evaluated based on error propagation theory.The least squares method based on connected components was used to solve flow rates time series based on multi-pair images offset-tracking.The results indicated that S2 achieved slightly higher precision than L8/9 in terms of both single-pair derived displacements and least square solved daily flow rates time series.Generally,the RMSE of daily velocity is 26%lower for S2 than L8/9.Moreover,S2 provided higher temporal resolution for monitoring glacier flow rates.
文摘The Fourier series of the 2π-periodic functions tg(x2)and 1sin(x)and some of their relatives (first of their integrals) are investigated and illustrated with respect to their convergence. These functions are Generalized functions and the convergence is weak convergence in the sense of the convergence of continuous linear functionals defining them. The figures show that the approximations of the Fourier series possess oscillations around the function which they represent in a broad band embedding them. This is some analogue to the Gibbs phenomenon. A modification of Fourier series by expansion in powers cosn(x)for the symmetric part of functions and sin(x)cosn−1(x)for the antisymmetric part (analogous to Taylor series) is discussed and illustrated by examples. The Fourier series and their convergence behavior are illustrated also for some 2π-periodic delta-function-like sequences connected with the Poisson theorem showing non-vanishing oscillations around the singularities similar to the Gibbs phenomenon in the neighborhood of discontinuities of functions. .
基金supported by key technology research and development project of Shan Xi province(20201102019)Natural science foundation of Shanxi Province(201901D111167)+1 种基金Shanxi Scholarship Council of China(2020–117)JCKY2018408B003Magnesium alloy high-performance XXX multi-directional extrusion technology and XX supporting scientific research project(xxxx-2019-021)。
文摘The extruded AZ80+0.4%Ce magnesium alloy was twisted in the temperature range of 300-380℃by using a Gleeble 3500 thermal simulation test machine with a torsion unit.The deformed cylindrical specimens were cooled at a cooling rate of 10℃/s or 0.1℃/s,respectively,and aged at 170℃.The microstructure analysis results showed that the grain size decreased with increasing specimen radial position from center(SRPC),and that the strong initial basal texture of the extruded magnesium alloy was weakened.Both continuous and discontinuous dynamic recrystallization mechanisms were involved in contributing to the grain refinement for all specimens investigated.And a novel extension twinning induced dynamic recrystallization mechanism was proposed for specimen deformed at 300℃.For the specimens deformed at 300℃and 340℃followed by a slow cooling rate(0.1℃/s),precipitates of various shapes(β-Mg_(17)Al_(12)),with the dominant precipitates being on the grains boundaries,appeared on the surface section.For specimen deformed at 380℃,lamellar precipitates(LPS)in the interiors of the grains were predominant.After aging,the LPS still dominated for specimens twisted at 380℃;however,the LPS gradually decreased with decreasing deformation temperatures from 380℃to 300℃.Dynamically precipitatedβ,especially those decorating the grain boundaries,changed the competition pictures for the LPS and precipitates of other shapes after aging.Interestingly,LPS dominated the areas for the center section of the specimens after aging regardless of deformation temperatures.Low temperature deformation with high SRPC followed by rapid cooling rate increased the micro hardness of the alloy after aging due to refined grain,reduced precipitates size,decreased lamellar spacing as well as strain hardening.
基金The National Natural Science Foundation of China under contract Nos 41941010 and 42006184the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities under contract No.2042022kf1068。
文摘In recent years,there has been a significant acceleration in the thinning,calving and retreat of the Pine Island Ice Shelf(PIIS).The basal channels,results of enhanced basal melting,have the potential to significantly impact the stability of the PIIS.In this study,we used a variety of remote sensing data,including Landsat,REMA DEM,ICESat-1 and ICESat-2 satellite altimetry observations,and Ice Bridge airborne measurements,to study the spatiotemporal changes in the basal channels from 2003 to 2020 and basal melt rate from 2010 to 2017 of the PIIS under the Eulerian framework.We found that the basal channels are highly developed in the PIIS,with a total length exceeding 450 km.Most of the basal channels are ocean-sourced or groundingline-sourced basal channels,caused by the rapid melting under the ice shelf or near the groundingline.A raised seabed prevented warm water intrusion into the eastern branch of the PIIS,resulting in a lower basal melt rate in that area.In contrast,a deepsea trough facilitates warm seawater into the mainstream and the western branch of the PIIS,resulting in a higher basal melt rate in the main-stream,and the surface elevation changes above the basal channels of the mainstream and western branch are more significant.The El Ni?o event in 2015–2016 possibly slowed down the basal melting of the PIIS by modulating wind field,surface sea temperature and depth seawater temperature.Ocean and atmospheric changes were driven by El Ni?o,which can further explain and confirm the changes in the basal melting of the PIIS.
文摘Erosion as a natural process produces soils, which are very important natural resources for the fest land plant- and animal kingdoms. Loss of the soil cover reduces agricultural production, biodiversity, and the role of soil as a filter for infiltrating water to replenish the groundwater. It also threatens the food supplies. The knowledge of erosion rates of rocks and terrains is important for developing proactive measures to protect soils from erosion and loss. In this study, erosion rates of catchment areas were calculated based on dams’ catchment extensions and the sediment loads transported by flood flows into dams’ lakes. The study results show that the chemically, via floodwater, transported quantities of materials are negligible compared to the solid materials transported by the water. It calculates erosion rates ranging from 0.013 to 0.212 mm/yr (13 - 212 m/10<sup>6</sup> yr) for the different catchment areas. Erosion rates in Jordan are, generally, higher than those calculated for the different parts of the world ranging from 2.5 to 60 m/10<sup>6</sup> yr. This fact can be explained by the very steep topography, calcareous rock cover of the catchment areas and the barren rock exposures.
文摘The experimental research programs of 1950s, to understand the adsorption of CO on W surfaces, changed to ab initio studies in 2000s. The goals were to seek improved practical applications. Most of the studies were based on density functional theory. Many studies also used programs, such as VASP (Vienna Abinitio simulation package) and CPMD. The computational procedures used plane wave approximations. This needed studies with selection of K points and cutoff energy selection to assure convergence in energy calculations. Observations and analysis of papers published from 2006 to 2022 indicate that the cutoff energies were selected arbitrarily without any needed convergence studies. By selecting a published 2006 paper, this paper has clearly showed that an arbitrary selection of cutoff energy, such as 460 eV, is not in the range of, cutoff energies that assure convergence of energy calculations, with ab initio methods and have indicated correction procedures. .
文摘Objectives:Rural patients have poor cancer outcomes and clinical trial(CT)enrollment compared to urban patients due to attitudinal,awareness,and healthcare access differential.Knowledge of cancer survival disparities and CT enrollment is important for designing interventions and innovative approaches to address the stated barriers.The study explores the potential disparities in cancer survival rates and clinical trial enrollments in rural and urban breast and lung cancer patients.Our hypotheses are that for both cancer types,urban cancer patients will have longer 5-year survival rates and higher enrollment rates in clinical trials than those in rural counties.Methods:We compared breast and lung cancer patients’survival rates and enrollment ratios in clinical trials between rural(RUCC 4-9)and urban counties in Georgia at a Comprehensive Cancer Center(CCC).To assess these differences,we carried out a series of independent samples t-tests and Chi-Square tests.Results:The outcomes indicate comparable 5-year survival rates across rural and urban counties for breast and lung cancer patients,failing to substantiate our hypothesis.While clinical trial enrollment rates demonstrated a significant difference between breast and lung cancer patients at CCC,no significant variation was observed based on rural or urban classification.Conclusion:These findings underscore the need for further research into the representation of rural patients with diverse cancer types at CCC and other cancer centers.Further,the findings have considerable implications for the initiation of positive social change to improve CT participation and reduce cancer survival disparities.
文摘Proximal gradient descent and its accelerated version are resultful methods for solving the sum of smooth and non-smooth problems. When the smooth function can be represented as a sum of multiple functions, the stochastic proximal gradient method performs well. However, research on its accelerated version remains unclear. This paper proposes a proximal stochastic accelerated gradient (PSAG) method to address problems involving a combination of smooth and non-smooth components, where the smooth part corresponds to the average of multiple block sums. Simultaneously, most of convergence analyses hold in expectation. To this end, under some mind conditions, we present an almost sure convergence of unbiased gradient estimation in the non-smooth setting. Moreover, we establish that the minimum of the squared gradient mapping norm arbitrarily converges to zero with probability one.
文摘BACKGROUND With stiff competition from alternative albeit more expensive counterparts,it has become important to establish the applicability of metallic anchors for shoulder instability in the modern era.This can be accomplished,in part,by analysing long-term outcomes.AIM To analyse minimum 10-year outcomes from 30 patients following arthroscopic anterior stabilisation using metallic anchors.METHODS Prospectively collected data from arthroscopic Bankart repairs performed using metal anchors during 2007P-2010 were retrospectively analysed in this singlesurgeon study.Comprehensive data collection included historical and clinical findings,dislocation details,operative specifics,and follow-up radiological and clinical findings including shoulder scores.The primary outcomes were patientreported scores(Constant,American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons[ASES],and Rowe scores)and pain and instability on a visual analogue scale(VAS).RESULTS A 3% recurrence rate of dislocation was noted at the final follow-up.Total constant scores at 10 years postoperatively measured between 76 and 100(mean 89)were significantly better than preoperative scores(mean 62.7).Congruous improvements were also noted in the Rowe and ASES scores and VAS at the 10-year review.CONCLUSION Reliable long-term outcomes with metallic anchors in surgery for shoulder instability can be expected.Our results provide additional evidence of their continued,cost-effective presence in the modern scenario.