Patterns and drivers of avian taxonomic and phylogenetic beta diversity in China vary across geographical backgrounds and dispersal abilities

Geographical background and dispersal ability may strongly influence assemblage dissimilarity;however,these aspects have generally been overlooked in previous large-scale beta diversity studies.Here,we examined whether the patterns and drivers of taxonomic beta diversity(TBD)and phylogenetic beta diversity(PBD)of breeding birds in China vary across(1)regions on both sides of the Hu Line,which demarcates China’s topographical,climatic,economic,and social patterns,and(2)species with different dispersal ability.TBD and PBD were calculated and partitioned into turnover and nestedness components using a moving window approach.Variables representing climate,habitat heterogeneity,and habitat quality were employed to evaluate the effects of environmental filtering.Spatial distance was considered to assess the impact of dispersal limitation.Variance partitioning analysis was applied to assess the relative roles of these variables.In general,the values of TBD and PBD were high in mountainous areas and were largely determined by environmental filtering.However,different dominant environmental filters on either side of the Hu Line led to divergent beta diversity patterns.Specifically,climate-driven species turnover and habitat heterogeneity-related species nestedness dominated the regions east and west of the line,respectively.Additionally,bird species with stronger dispersal ability were more susceptible to environmental filtering,resulting in more homogeneous assemblages.Our results indicated that regions with distinctive geographical backgrounds may present different ecological factors that lead to divergent assemblage dissimilarity patterns,and dispersal ability determines the response of assemblages to these ecological factors.Identifying a single universal explanation for the observed pattern without considering these aspects may lead to simplistic or incomplete conclusions.Consequently,a comprehensive understanding of large-scale beta diversity patterns and effective planning of conservation strategies necessitate the consideration of both geographical background and species dispersal ability.

Modeling Analysis of Factors Influencing Wind-Borne Seed Dispersal: A Case Study on Dandelion

A weed is a plant that thrives in areas of human disturbance, such as gardens, fields, pastures, waysides, and waste places where it is not intentionally cultivated. Dispersal affects community dynamics and vegetation response to global change. The process of seed disposal is influenced by wind, which plays a crucial role in determining the distance and probability of seed dispersal. Existing models of seed dispersal consider wind direction but fail to incorporate wind intensity. In this paper, a novel seed disposal model was proposed in this paper, incorporating wind intensity based on relevant references. According to various climatic conditions, including temperate, arid, and tropical regions, three specific regions were selected to establish a wind dispersal model that accurately reflects the density function distribution of dispersal distance. Additionally, dandelions growth is influenced by a multitude of factors, encompassing temperature, humidity, climate, and various environmental variables that necessitate meticulous consideration. Based on Factor Analysis model, which completely considers temperature, precipitation, solar radiation, wind, and land carrying capacity, a conclusion is presented, indicating that the growth of seeds is primarily influenced by plant attributes and climate conditions, with the former exerting a relatively stronger impact. Subsequently, the remaining two plants were chosen based on seed weight, yielding consistent conclusion.

A nonlocal dispersal and time delayed HIV infection model with general incidences

Biologically,because of the impact of reproduction period and nonlocal dispersal of HIV-infected cells,time delay and spatial heterogeneity should be considered.In this paper,we establish an HIV infection model with nonlocal dispersal and infection age.Moreover,applying the theory of Fourier transformation and von Foerster rule,we transform the model to an integrodifferential equation with nonlocal time delay and dispersal.The well-posedness,positivity,and boundedness of the solution for the model are studied.

Seed dispersal by wintering ducks in a coastal wetland of eastern China

Duck species are important vectors for seed dispersal of many plants,contributing significantly to the regeneration of wetland plant communities.However,research on the temporal changes in diet and the dynamics and differences of seed dispersal among different duck species is still limited.In this study,we analyzed the diversity of duck community and the diversity of seeds in the feces of different duck species from December to February for 2022–23 and 2023–24 in the coastal wetland of Dafeng,eastern Jiangsu Province,China.A total of 13 duck species were recorded in the four habitats,of which Spot-billed Ducks(Anas zonorhyncha)and Mallards(A.platyrhynchos)were the most abundant.The diversity and abundance of ducks vary across different habitats,and tidal flat supports the greatest diversity and abundance of ducks.We collected fecal samples from Spot-billed Ducks,Gadwalls(Mareca strepera),Mallards,and Eurasian Teals(A.crecca)in the tidal flat,from which seeds belonging to 7 families,13 genera and 15 different plant species were obtained.There were significant differences in seed dispersal among the four duck species,which varied with the season.Gadwalls and Common Teals showed more significant diversity in seed dispersal,with their feces containing a greater variety of plant seeds,which is related to their broader dietary range and ecological adaptability.Furthermore,the seasonal variation in the number of seeds per feces reflected the availability of seeds in the habitat and the response of ducks to environmental changes,while variations in seed intake among different duck species may be associated with inter-annual weather condition changes.The results of this study will provide a new perspective for understanding the mechanisms of bird-mediated seed dispersal in coastal wetland and offer preliminary insights for the seed dispersal by Asian ducks.

Study on concentration distribution and detonation characteristics for non-axisymmetric fuel dispersal

The study of non-axisymmetric fuel dispersal and detonation can provide reference for the prevention of industrial cloud explosion accidents and the design of fuel air explosive(FAE).The concentration and detonation fields of 85 kg cylindrical and fan-shaped fuel are investigated by experiments and numerical simulations.A dynamic model of the whole process for fuel dispersal and detonation is built.The concentration distribution of fuel is used as the initial condition to calculate the detonation stage,thus solving the initial value problem of detonation field.The phase and component changes of fuel cloud at different locations are compared.The fuel cloud is divided into directions of 0°,90°,135°and 180°.The results show that the maximum cloud radius is 20.94 m in 135°and the minimum is 12.04 m in 0°.The diameter of the detonation fireball is 53.6 m,and the peak temperature is 3455 K.The highest peak overpressure is 3.44 MPa in 0°and the lowest is 2.97 MPa in 135°.The proportion of liquid phase in 0°is22.90%,and the fuel loss is 11.8% and 9% higher than that in 135°and cylindrical charge,respectively.The stable propagation distance of blast wave in 135°is 42.50% longer than 0°and 28.37% longer than cylindrical charge.

Effects of wind speed,underlying surface,and seed morphological traits on the secondary seed dispersal in the Tengger Desert,China

The maintenance of sand-fixing vegetation is important for the stability of artificial sand-fixing systems in which seed dispersal plays a key role.Based on field wind tunnel experiments using 11 common plant species on the southeastern edge of the Tengger Desert,China,we studied the secondary seed dispersal in the fixed and semi-fixed sand dunes as well as in the mobile dunes in order to understand the limitations of vegetation regeneration and the maintenance of its stability.Our results indicated that there were significant variations among the selected 11 plant species in the threshold of wind speed(TWS).The TWS of Caragana korshinskii was the highest among the 11 plant species,whereas that of Echinops gmelinii was the lowest.Seed morphological traits and underlying surface could generally explain the TWS.During the secondary seed dispersal processes,the proportions of seeds that did not disperse(no dispersal)and only dispersed over short distance(short-distance dispersal within the wind tunnel test section)were significantly higher than those of seeds that were buried(including lost seeds)and dispersed over long distance(long-distance dispersal beyond the wind tunnel test section).Compared with other habitats,the mobile dunes were the most difficult places for secondary seed dispersal.Buried seeds were the easiest to be found in the semi-fixed sand dunes,whereas fixed sand dunes were the best sites for seeds that dispersed over long distance.The results of linear mixed models showed that after controlling the dispersal distance,smaller and rounder seeds dispersed farther.Shape index and wind speed were the two significant influencing factors on the burial of seeds.The explanatory power of wind speed,underlying surface,and seed morphological traits on the seeds that did not disperse and dispersed over short distance was far greater than that on the seeds that were buried and dispersed over long distance,implying that the processes and mechanisms of burial and long-distance dispersal are more complex.In summary,most seeds in the study area either did not move,were buried,or dispersed over short distance,promoting local vegetation regeneration.

Spatio-Temporal Change of Dispersal Areas of Greater Kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) in Lake Bogoria Landscape, Kenya

Decline in wildlife populations is manifest globally, regionally and locally. A wildlife decline of 68% has been reported in Kenya’s rangelands with Baringo County experiencing more than 85% wildlife loss in the last four decades. Greater Kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) is endemic to Lake Bogoria landscape in Baringo County and constitutes a major tourist attraction for the region necessitating use of its photo on the County’s logo and thus a flagship species. Tourism plays a central role in Baringo County’s economy and is a major source of potential growth and employment creation. The study was carried out to assess spatio-temporal change of dispersal areas of Greater Kudu (GK) in Lake Bogoria landscape in the last four years for enhanced adaptive management and improved livelihoods. GK population distribution primary data collected in December 2022 and secondary data acquired from Lake Bogoria National Game Reserve (LBNGR) for 2019 and 2020 were digitized using in a Geographic Information System (GIS). Measures of dispersion and point pattern analysis (PPA) were used to analyze dispersal of GK population using GIS. Spatio-temporal change of GK dispersal in LBNR was evident thus the null hypothesis was rejected. It is recommended that anthropogenic activities contributing to GK’s habitat degradation be curbed by providing alternative livelihood sources and promoting community adoption of sustainable technologies for improved livelihoods.

Leading directions and effective distance of larch offspring dispersal at the upper treeline in the Northern and Polar Urals, Russia

Climate has changed sufficiently over the last 150 years and forced out upper treeline advance at the most studied sites around the world.The rate of advance has been extremely variable–from tens to hundreds meters in altitude.This is because the degree at which tree frontal populations respond to climate change depends on the complex interaction of biological and physical factors.The resulting stand pattern is the consequence of the interaction between dispersal and survival functions.A few publications have addressed the question of how this pattern is generated.In order to understand how the spatial structure of tree stands was formed at the upper limit of their distribution in the Ural Mountains,we assessed the distance and direction of dispersal of offspring from maternal individuals.We found that in frontal Larix sibirica Ledeb.populations,‘effective’dispersal of offspring ranges from 3 to 758 m(with a median of 20–33 m in open forest and 219 m in single-tree tundra in the Polar Urals and 107 m in open forest in the Northern Urals).We revealed that most of the offspring effectively dispersed not only in the direction of the prevailing winds,but also in the opposite direction up the slope,and the distance can reach 500–760 m.The data obtained can be used to develop an individual-based model which is capable of simulating in detail the dynamics of tree stands at the upper limit of their growth and reliably predicting the future position and pattern of treeline ecotone as growth conditions continue to improve in the face of observed climate change.

Asymptotic Dynamics of a Single-species Model with Resource-dependent Dispersal in One Dimension

In this paper,we study the asymptotic dynamics of a single-species model with resource-dependent dispersal in one dimension.To overcome the analytical difficulties brought by the resource-dependent dispersal,we use the idea of changing variables to transform the model into a uniform dispersal one.Then the existence and uniqueness of positive stationary solution to the model can be verified by the squeezing argument,where the solution plays a crucial role in later analyses.Moreover,the asymptotic behavior of solutions to the model is obtained by the upper-lower solutions method.The result indicates that the solutions of the model converge to the corresponding positive stationary solution locally uniformly in one dimension as time goes to infinity.

IoT Enabled Microgrid Framework Using a Novel Dispersal Diffusion Artificial Neural Network Controller for PV Systems and Wind Energy to Minimize Electrical Faults

A system based on a PV-Wind will ensure better efficiency and flexibility using lower energy production.Today,plenty of work is being focussed on Doubly Fed Induction Generators(DFIG)utilized in wind energy systems.DFIG is found to be the best option in the Wind Energy Conversion Systems(WECS)to mitigate the issues caused by power converters.In this work,a new Artificial Neural Network(ANN)is proposed with the Diffusion and Dispersal strategy that works on Maximum Power Point Tracking(MPPT)along with Wind Energy Conversion System(WECS)to minimize electrical faults.The controller focus was not just to increase performance but also to reduce damage owing to any phase to phase fault or Phase to phase to ground fault.To ensure optimal MPPT for the proposed WECS,ANN achieves the optimal PI controller parameters for the indirect control of active and reactive power of DFIG.The optimal allocation and size of the DGs within the distributed system and for MPPT control are obtained using a population of agents.The generated solutions are evaluated and on being successful,the agents test their hypothesis again to create a positive feedback mechanism.Simulations are carried out,and the proposed IoT framework efficiency indicates performance improvement and faster recovery against faults by 9 percent for phase to ground fault and by 7.35 percent for phase to phase fault.

Study on Near Field Dispersal of Fuel Air Explosive

Aim To study fuel dispersion in fuel air explosive(FAE) and computational ways of fuel dispersion velocity in the near area. Methods\ The dispersion process of fuel in FAE was analyzed by the use of results measured with KODAK EKTAPRO EM Motion Analyzer and setting up mechanical models. Results\ Computational methods for fuel dispersion velocity in the acceleration stage is given and taken as a base for the study of fuel dispersion in the intermediate and the far area. Conclusion\ When the fuel flow velocity is higher than that of the explosion gas in the center cavity, the fuel divides with the explosion gas and its velocity of flow reaches a maximum. The acceleration stage ends at that time. The fuel dispersion velocity at this time is the initial conditions for numeral analyses of dispersion process in the intermediate and far areas.

Genetic evidence for male-biased dispersal in Elliot's Pheasant (Syrmaticus ellioti) in China

Sex-biased dispersal,in which individuals of one sex tend to disperse and breed at a greater distance from their natal site than individuals of the opposite sex,appears to be common in vertebrate organisms and is very important to population structures and dynamics.Many studies have documented the dispersal patterns of monogamous birds; however,observations and data are few for polygynous birds.In our study,we report on the indication of sex-biased dispersal in Elliot's Pheasant (Syrmaticus ellioti),a vulnerable species endemic to China,using polymorphic DNA microsatellite loci (105 individual birds and seven loci) and mitochondrial DNA control-region sequences (63 birds).Contrary to the traditional concept that males are the more philopatric sex and females the more dispersing sex in birds,all the genetic information extracted from the two markers suggests that male-biased dispersal is predominant in Elliot's Pheasant.We argue that polygynous species in Galliformes without lekking behavior are more likely to exhibit male-biased dispersal patterns,consistent with the expected results based on the polygynous mating system of Elliot's Pheasant.

Molecular identification of bloom-forming species Phaeocystis globosa (Pryninesiophyta) and its dispersal based on rDNA ITS sequence analysis

The colony-forming Phaeocystis species are causative agents of dense bloom occurrences incoastal waters worldwide. It is difficult to separate them because of the different morphologies associated with their colonial stages. In this study we applied molecular approaches to analyze the genetic variation of Phaeocystis globosa and Phaeocystis pouchetii from several geographic regions, and to assist in tracing the dispersal of bloom-forming Phaeocystis species in coastal waters of China. The sequences of the internal transcribed spacers (ITS1 and ITS2) of rDNA and the 5. 8S ribosomal RNA gene of Phaeocystis strains were determined. Sequence comparison shows that P.globosa was the most divergent to P. pouchetii, exhibiting sequence divergence higher than 0.08. However, lower genetic divergences existed between strains of P. globosa. The sequence comparison of the Phaeocystis rDNA ITS clearly shows that the species isolated from the southeast coast of China is identified as P. globosa rather than P. cf. pouchetii or other species. Furthermore, the significance of rDNA variation in distinct global populations of P. globosa suggested it might have had sufficient time to accumulate detectable mutations at the rDNA locus, supporting the hypothesis of ancient dispersal of P .globosa to many areas, meaning that P. globosa blooms in the coastal waters of China are endemic rather than a newly introduced species or a foreign source. Finally, based on the high divergent region of rDNA ITS, a pair of species-specific primers for P. globosa were designed, they could be useful to detect the presence of this species in mixed plankton assemblages or flagellate stages that are recognized with diffculties by means of conventional microscopy.

Distribution and dispersal pattern of clay minerals in surface sediments,eastern Beibu Gulf,South China Sea

Clay minerology of sediments are useful in determining distribution, sources and dispersal routes of fine-grained sediments. In the present paper, clay minerals of surface sediments throughout the eastern part of Beibu Gulf has been investigated to reveal sources and transport of detrital fine- grained sediments. Four distinct clay mineral suites were observed from cluster analysis of clay mineral compositions of the samples. From the distribution pattern of clay minerals, we conclude that kaolinte in the eastern gulf is mainly derived from South China Landmass; Smectite could not be transported mainly by surface current from north-western Hainan Island, and maybe minor portion of it from Red River; Illite is mainly transported by the currents fl＇om South China Sea. Chlorite has two sources, namely South China Sea and South China Landmass. The Zhujiang River derived sediments could not be one of the sources for the clay mineral here, because of very different composition and ratios. The distribution pattern of clay minerals in the eastern Beibu Gulf is mainly controlled by fine-grained sediment source and local currents. The Silt/Clay, Smectite/Kaolinte, and Smetite/（Chlorite＋Illite） ratios could be used as indicators of fine-grained sediment dispersal in the gulf.

Genetic Relationship between Natural Gas Dispersal Zone and Uranium Accumulation in the Northern Ordos Basin, China

The Ordos Basin is well-known for the coexistence of oil, natural gas, coal and uranium. However, there has been little research to discuss the genetic relationship between them. In this paper, a case study of the Zaohuohao area in Dongsheng, Inner Mongolia, China, is conducted to investigate the genetic relationship between the natural gas and the uranium accumulation. Fluid inclusion data from the uranium-bearing sandstone samples indicate that the fluid inclusions formed in a gas-water transition zone. Using the homogeneous temperatures of aqueous inclusions coeval with hydrocarbon-bearing inclusions, combined with the buried history and paleo-temperature data, the gas-water transition zone reached the area at about 110 Ma. On the basis of this, the contents of Uranium （U） and Total Organic Carbon （TOC） of the samples were analyzed, and there was no obvious relation between them. With regard to the available data from both publications and this study, it is found that the U mineralization has a spatiotemporal accordance with the gas-water dispersal zone. Thus, it is believed that the natural gas in the gas-water zone is an effective reducer to the U-bearing ground water abundant in oxygen, which is the main factor to U accumulation. This result can be used as the reference to the U mines predicting and prospecting.

Post-fledging dispersal and habitat use of a reintroduced population of the Crested Ibis (Nipponia nippon)

Background: Knowledge of dispersal movement of birds and their habitat preference during the post-fledging period is fundamental to the understanding of their ecological and evolutionary processes. The Crested Ibis is now being reintroduced to protected sites within its historical range, with the goal of establishing a self-sustaining population that may eventually qualify the species for delisting.Methods: We carried out an ecological study of post-fledging dispersal and habitat use of a reintroduced population of the Crested Ibis(Nipponia nippon) from 2008 to 2012 in Ningshan County, China, by using banding and radio-telemetry methods.Results: In about two weeks(an average of 14.3 days) after fledging, the activities of the fledglings were concentrated in a range of about 100 m around their natal sites, such as the oak-pine forest patches at the edge of open habitats.During this period, fledglings were still partially dependent upon parental care and fed typically on a daily basis.Siblings increasingly became independent by mid-August and then gradually moved away from their natal sites to post-fledging dispersal locations. During the period of the post-fledging dispersal process, most juveniles moving southwest were concentrated at the mean direction(μ = 254.6°, ? = 70.5°) with a mean dispersal distance of 5.1 km.It took an average of 56.4 days to disperse from the natal territory to the first wintering area. Also, forging habitats for juvenile ibis varied with time and local conditions. For example, paddy fields were used most frequently among all habitat types, while shallow rivers just from August to October. Masson pine(Pinus massoniana) was often regarded as the roosting tree species preferred by the Crested Ibis, with the highest utilization rate among all the roosting habitat types. The juveniles of the wild population dispersed four times as far as that of the reintroduced population, but the overall pattern of post-fledging dispersal is similar for the reintroduced and wild populations.Conclusions: Our results are very useful for us to predict the distance and direction of dispersal under various landscape conditions in other released sites. The project is a good example for reintroducing endangered species to their former ranges, and will be valuable for the protection of reintroduced populations of this critically and other endangered species.

Variation and dispersal of PM_(10) and PM_(2.5) during COVID-19 lockdown over Kolkata metropolitan city,India investigated through HYSPLIT model

The higher concentration of PM_(10) and PM_(2.5) in the lower atmosphere is severely harmful for human health and it also makes visibility diminution along with weather and climate modifications.The main objective is to find out the spatiotemporal variation and dispersal of PM_(10) and PM_(2.5) along with COVID-19 infection in the dusty city Kolkata.The consecutive two years PM_(10) and PM_(2.5) data of different stations have been obtained from State Pollution Control Board,Govt.of West Bengal.Forward trajectory analysis has been done through HYSPLIT(Hybrid Single Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory)model to find the path and direction of air particles.The result showed that the various meteorological or environmental factors(such as temperature,relative humidity,wind,wind speed,pressure and gusty wind)and geographical location regulate the spatiotemporal variation of PM_(10) and PM_(2.5).These factors like high temperature with relative humidity and strong wind influence to disperse the particulate matters from north to south direction from city to outside during summer in Kolkata metropolitan city.During summer(both pre and lockdown years),the height of particles is extended up to 1000 m owing to active atmospheric ventilation whereas in winter it is confined within 100 m.The HYSPLIT model clearly specified that the particles dispersed from south,south-west to north and north east direction due to strong wind.The constant magnification of PM_(10) and PM_(2.5) in the lower atmosphere leads to greater frequency of COVID-19 infections and deaths.In Kolkata,the one of the crucial reasons of high infection and deaths(COVID-19)is co-morbidity of people.

Effects of breeding success,age and sex on breeding dispersal of a reintroduced population of the Crested Ibis(Nipponia nippon)in Ningshan County,China

Background: Breeding dispersal is an important ecological process that affects species' population dynamics and colonization of new suitable areas. Knowledge of the causes and consequences of breeding dispersal is fundamental to our understanding of avian ecology and evolution. Although breeding success for a wild and reintroduced population of the Crested Ibis(Nipponia nippon) has been reported, the relationships between individuals' breeding dispersal and their breeding success, age and sex remain unclear.Methods: Ibises' breeding dispersal distance, which is the distance moved by adults between sites of reproduction, was estimated based on the observations of consecutive breeding sites of marked ibis individuals. From observational and capture-recapture data(n as = 102) over 9 years, individuals' breeding dispersal probability in relation to age, sex, and reproductive success wanalyzed via a generalized linear mixed effect modeling approach.Results: Our results show that 55% males and 51% females keep their previous territories following nesting success. Failed breeding attempts increased dispersal probabilities. Both females and males failed in breeding were more likely to disperse with greater distances than successful birds(females: 825 ± 216 m vs 196 ± 101 m, males: 372 Crested Ibis exhibited a female-biased dispersal pattern that the mean dispersal distance± 164 m vs 210 ± 127 m). of females(435 ± 234 m) was much larger than that of males(294 ± 172 m).Conclusion: Our results are fundamental to predict the patterns of breeding dispersal related to reproductive success under different release sites. From the conservation point of view, landscape connectivity between the reintroduced populations should be taken into account in accordance with the distance of breeding dispersal.

Pollination and seed dispersal of Aquilaria sinensis(Lour.)Gilg(Thymelaeaceae):An economic plant species with extremely small populations in China

Pollination and seed dispersal in angiosperms have long been investigated in order to understand the coevolution of plants and animals.However,the signals from flowers and/or seeds to attract pollinators and/or seed dispersers have received comparatively little attention.In this study,the pollination biology and seed dispersal of the vulnerable agarwood plant Aquilaria sinensis(Lour.) Gilg,a traditional medicinal plant in China,was studied in its natural distribution range.The reproductive tactics of A.sinensis were studied in detail by employing various tests dealing with fruit set and also seed dispersal.Dynamic headspace extraction followed by GC-MS analysis was also performed in order to reveal the composition of floral scent.The results showed that noctuids and pyralids are the most effective pollinators of pollinator-dependent A.sinensis.The main compounds of the floral scent were(E,E)-α-Farnesene(61.9 ± 3.2%),trans-Ocimene(16.6 ± 1.2%),and Benzyl salicylate(4.6 ± 1.1%).The results obtained from seed dispersal experiments indicate that hornets are effective seed dispersers and they may play an important role in long-distance seed dispersal of A.sinensis.Based on our findings,we recommend several protection methods for this threatened agarwood plant in China.