This review article provides a comprehensive analysis of nesting optimization algorithms in the shipbuilding industry,emphasizing their role in improving material utilization,minimizing waste,and enhancing production ...This review article provides a comprehensive analysis of nesting optimization algorithms in the shipbuilding industry,emphasizing their role in improving material utilization,minimizing waste,and enhancing production efficiency.The shipbuilding process involves the complex cutting and arrangement of steel plates,making the optimization of these operations vital for cost-effectiveness and sustainability.Nesting algorithms are broadly classified into four categories:exact,heuristic,metaheuristic,and hybrid.Exact algorithms ensure optimal solutions but are computationally demanding.In contrast,heuristic algorithms deliver quicker results using practical rules,although they may not consistently achieve optimal outcomes.Metaheuristic algorithms combine multiple heuristics to effectively explore solution spaces,striking a balance between solution quality and computational efficiency.Hybrid algorithms integrate the strengths of different approaches to further enhance performance.This review systematically assesses these algorithms using criteria such as material dimensions,part geometry,component layout,and computational efficiency.The findings highlight the significant potential of advanced nesting techniques to improve material utilization,reduce production costs,and promote sustainable practices in shipbuilding.By adopting suitable nesting solutions,shipbuilders can achieve greater efficiency,optimized resource management,and superior overall performance.Future research directions should focus on integrating machine learning and real-time adaptability to further enhance nesting algorithms,paving the way for smarter,more sustainable manufacturing practices in the shipbuilding industry.展开更多
According to the cutting stock problem of 2-dimensional shapes, a nesting system （NS） based on hybrid genetic algorithm （HGA） is established. The system optimizes the sequence and angles of polygons with hybrid Ge...According to the cutting stock problem of 2-dimensional shapes, a nesting system （NS） based on hybrid genetic algorithm （HGA） is established. The system optimizes the sequence and angles of polygons with hybrid Genetic Algorithm to accomplish the superior solution. It nests the irregular shape directly without covering irregular shapes with a rectangle. It also improves the decoding strategy of 2-dimensional shapes nesting based on the classical bottom-left strategy, makes the new strategy be universal to convex polygons, concave polygons and line-circular composted polygons.展开更多
The high-pressure phase diagram of the Nb-Ti binary system at 0 K is explored by systematic crystal structure prediction.The results highlight a novel niobium-rich bcc phase,Nb_(7)Ti,which is the only dynamically stab...The high-pressure phase diagram of the Nb-Ti binary system at 0 K is explored by systematic crystal structure prediction.The results highlight a novel niobium-rich bcc phase,Nb_(7)Ti,which is the only dynamically stable ordered Nb-Ti compound under ambient pressure.Extensive first-principles calculations have provided insights into the electronic structure,bonding and superconducting properties of Nb_(7)Ti.The superconducting transition temperature(T_(c))for Nb_(7)Ti at ambient pressure is estimated within the framework of BCS theory to be about 17.5 K,which is significantly higher—nearly double—that of the widely utilized NbTi alloy.Furthermore,the results unveil that the high T_(c) is mainly attributed to the unique ordered lattice along with the strong electron-phonon coupling driven by interatomic interactions at mid-frequency and phonon softening induced by low-frequency Fermi surface nesting.Valuable insights are provided for the subsequent synthesis of application-oriented superconductors at low pressure.展开更多
Abiotic factors play an important role in species localisation,but biotic and anthropogenic predictors must also be considered in distribution modelling for models to be biologically meaningful.In this study,we formal...Abiotic factors play an important role in species localisation,but biotic and anthropogenic predictors must also be considered in distribution modelling for models to be biologically meaningful.In this study,we formalised the biotic predictors of nesting sites for four threatened Caucasian vultures by including species distribution models(wild ungulates,nesting tree species)as biotic layers in the vulture Maxent models.Maxent was applied in the R dismo package and the best set of the model parameters were defined in the R ENMeval package.Performance metrics were continuous Boyce index,Akaike's information criterion,the area under receiver operating curve and true skill statistics.We also calculated and evaluated the null models.Kernel density estimation method was applied to assess the overlap of vulture ecological niches in the environmental space.The accessibility of anthropogenic food resources was estimated using the Path Distance measure that considers elevation gradient.The availability of pine forests(Scots Pine)and wild ungulates(Alpine Chamois and Caucasian Goat)contributed the most(29.6%and 34.3%)to Cinereous Vulture(Aegypius monachus)nesting site model.Wild ungulate distribution also contributed significantly(about 46%)to the Bearded Vulture(Gypaetus barbatus)model.This scavenger nests in the highlands of the Caucasus at a minimum distance of 5–10 km from anthropogenic facilities.In contrast,livestock as a food source was most important in colony distribution of Griffon Vulture(Gyps fulvus).The contribution of distances to settlements and agricultural facilities to the model was 45%.The optimal distance from Egyptian Vulture(Neophron percnopterus)nesting sites to settlements was only 3–10 km,to livestock facilities no more than 15 km with the factor contribution of about 57%.Excluding the wild ungulate availability,the ecological niches of studied vultures overlapped significantly.Despite similar foraging and nesting requirements,Caucasian vultures are not pronounced nesting and trophic competitors due to the abundance of nesting sites,anthropogenic food sources and successful niche sharing.展开更多
Urbanization induced by human activities presents both challenges and adaptive opportunities for wildlife.One notable impact of urban sprawl is the vast amount of waste it produces,which has discernible effects on wil...Urbanization induced by human activities presents both challenges and adaptive opportunities for wildlife.One notable impact of urban sprawl is the vast amount of waste it produces,which has discernible effects on wildlife.Interestingly,an emerging trend has been observed that birds are incorporating anthropogenic materials into their nests.However,the relationship between anthropogenic nesting materials(ANMs)and the reproductive performance of urban birds is unclear.In this study,we investigated the relationship between the incorporation of ANMs into nests and the reproductive performance of Chinese Bulbuls(Pycnonotus sinensis)by monitoring and collecting data on 136 breeding nests in Hangzhou,China.We gathered data on seven reproductive traits of Chinese Bulbuls,including laying date,incubation period,nestling period,clutch size,egg volume,hatching success rate,and fledging success rate.We then calculated the urbanization synthetic index as a measure of the level of urbanization and examined its relationship with the proportion and weight of ANMs.Through examination of nest components,we observed significant increase in the proportion and weight of ANMs with the urbanization synthetic index.Notably,we found a higher hatching success rate of Chinese Bulbuls with an increasing proportion of ANMs.However,the inclusion of ANMs in nests was not correlated with other reproductive traits of Chinese Bulbuls.Overall,the use of ANMs by Chinese Bulbuls is consistent with the adaptive hypothesis and the availability hypothesis.Further studies should use controlled experiments to investigate the impact of ANMs on avian reproductive success.展开更多
Petroleum hydrocarbon pollution is a global concern,particularly in coastal environments.Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs) are regarded as the most toxic components of petroleum hydrocarbons.In this study,the bio...Petroleum hydrocarbon pollution is a global concern,particularly in coastal environments.Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs) are regarded as the most toxic components of petroleum hydrocarbons.In this study,the biomonitoring and ranking effects of petroleum hydrocarbons and PAHs on the marine fish model Oryzias melastigma embryos were determined in the Jiulong River Estuary(JRE) and its adjacent waters in China.The results showed that the levels of petroleum hydrocarbons from almost all sites met the primary standard for marine seawater quality,and the concentrations of the 16 priority PAHs in the surface seawater were lower compared with those in other coastal areas worldwide.A new fish expert system based on the embryotoxicity of O.melastigma(OME-FES) was developed and applied in the field to evaluate the biological effects of petroleum hydrocarbons and PAHs.The selected physiological index and molecular indicators in OME-FES were appropriate biomarkers for indicating the harmful effects of petroleum hydrocarbons and PAHs.The outcome of OME-FES revealed that the biological effect levels of the sampling sites ranged from level Ⅰ(no stress) to level Ⅲ(medium stress),which is further corroborated by the findings of nested analysis of variance(ANOVA) models.Our results suggest that the OME-FES is an effective tool for evaluating and ranking the biological effects of marine petroleum hydrocarbons and PAHs.This method may also be applied to evaluate other marine pollutants based on its framework.展开更多
Nesting is a common problem in industries such as shipbuilding, auto-maker, clothing, shoe-making, and furniture, in which various parts are cut off from a stock or stocks while minimizing the wastes or maximizing the...Nesting is a common problem in industries such as shipbuilding, auto-maker, clothing, shoe-making, and furniture, in which various parts are cut off from a stock or stocks while minimizing the wastes or maximizing the utilization of the stock. Berth allocation at seaside is also considered one form of two dimensional nesting problems, in which a ship is assigned a location for service during a certain time slot. This paper presents an expert system using a heuristic search method for nesting problems. The parts and stocks are represented by pixels with which utility function is used to evaluate current state in search tree. The system is developed in CLIPS, an expert system shell and applied to various example problems with different constraints and to a berth allocation example to illustrate its applicability under different conditions.展开更多
Filling methods in the mining industry can maximize the recovery of mineral resources and protect the underground and surface environments.In recent years,such methods have been widely used in metal mines where pipeli...Filling methods in the mining industry can maximize the recovery of mineral resources and protect the underground and surface environments.In recent years,such methods have been widely used in metal mines where pipeline transportation typically plays a decisive role in the safety and stability of the entirefilling system.Because thefilling slurry contains a large percentage of solid coarse particles,the involved pipeline is typically eroded and often damaged during such a process.A possible solution is the so-called nesting repair technology.In the present study,nesting a 127 mm outer diameter pipeline in 151 mm inner diameter borehole is considered to meet the repair objective.First,by using the rheological theory,the pipeline transmission resistance and self-flow conveying range are calculated under different working conditions.It is shown that the pipeline transmission resistance is larger when the inner diameter of casing is 80 mm,and the limitflow rate of vertical pipeline self-flow is 120 m^(3)/h;moreover,when the pipeline diameter is 100 mm and theflow rate is 140 m^(3)/h,the self-flow conveying can be satisfied in most of the underground−455 m stage.Accordingly,a plan is presented for the nesting repair strategy,based on the installation of a drill bit under the casing and lowering the casing into the borehole as if it were a drill pipe.Finally,the outcomes of such a strategy are verified.Thefillingflow rate range using the new pipelines is found to be in the range from 188.60 to 224.39 m^(3)/h,and its averagefillingflow rate reaches 209.83 m^(3)/h when conveying 2319.6 m long-distance quarry.展开更多
Shorebird populations are declining worldwide,mainly due to human disturbances and loss of coastal wetlands.However,supratidal habitats as saltpans could play a role in buffering human impact.Saltpans have shown to be...Shorebird populations are declining worldwide,mainly due to human disturbances and loss of coastal wetlands.However,supratidal habitats as saltpans could play a role in buffering human impact.Saltpans have shown to be important as feeding or breeding sites of some shorebird species.A potential conservation strategy to increase shorebird populations in saltpans is to manipulate the cues that birds use to select optimal breeding habitat.Here it is hypothesized that shorebirds are attracted to bivalve shells due to the advantages they offer.Following this hypothesis,we supplemented a restored saltpan in 2019 and 2021 with bivalve shells,expecting an increase in the number of breeding birds’ nests.More than 75% of Kentish Plover(Charadrius alexandrinus) and Little Tern(Sternula albifrons) nests were found in patches with shells in both years.The best model for both species indicates that the presence of shells is the factor that most correlates with the location of nests.The probability of choosing one place over another to settle their nest increases in areas with an abundance of shells,double in the case of the Kentish Plover and triple in the case of the Little Tern.The result of this study may constitute a valuable tool for attracting birds to restored saltpans and could contribute to the success of expensive restoration projects where time is usually a constraint.展开更多
The discovery of pressure-induced superconducting electrides has sparked a intense wave of interest in novel superconductors.However,opinions vary regarding the relationship between non-nuclear attractors(NNAs)and sup...The discovery of pressure-induced superconducting electrides has sparked a intense wave of interest in novel superconductors.However,opinions vary regarding the relationship between non-nuclear attractors(NNAs)and superconductivity,with two opposing views currently represented by the materials Li_(6)P and Li_(6)C.Here,we choose the ternary Li–C–P as a model system and reveal the underlying mechanism by which NNAs contribute to superconductivity.The loosely bound NNAs in the superlithide Li_(14)CP covalently bond with Li and form unique satellite interstitial electrons(SIEs)around Li near the Fermi level,dominating the superconductivity.First-principles calculations show that the SIEs progressively increase in number and couple strongly with phonons at high pressure.Moreover,the Fermi surface nesting associated with SIEs induces phonon softening,further enhancing the electron–phonon coupling and giving the superlithide Li_(14)CP a T_(c)of 10.6 K at 300 GPa.The leading role of SIEs in superconductivity is a general one and is also relevant to the recently predicted Li_(6)P and Li_(6)C.Our work presented here reshapes the understanding of NNA-dominated superconductivity and holds promise for guiding future discoveries and designs of novel high-temperature superconductors.展开更多
Swells are critical concerns regarding safety,marine transportation,and coastal engineering construction of coastal countries along the Gulf of Guinea and have been scientific problems due to the lack of systematic th...Swells are critical concerns regarding safety,marine transportation,and coastal engineering construction of coastal countries along the Gulf of Guinea and have been scientific problems due to the lack of systematic theoretical,numerical,and observational research.In this study,a double nesting numerical model was constructed and validated from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Guinea based on simulating waves nearshore(SWAN)to explore the swell characteristics and source tracing in the Gulf of Guinea in winter and summer seasons from 2020 to 2021.Simulation results reveal that swells are stronger and deflect more to the west in winter than summer,even though they dominate in both seasons in the Gulf of Guinea in the S-SW directional range.Simulated two-dimensional(2D)wave spectral patterns not only clarify wave composition,variation,and propagation properties from the central South Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Guinea,but also distinguish swell strength and directional range in winter and summer.The NW wind events induce swells which spread toward the SSE-ESE direction from the North Atlantic Ocean,big wind source generates sustained and stable S-SW swells from the South Atlantic Ocean,and corresponding swell-influenced areas are discussed.The strongest swell event in the Gulf of Guinea during the simulation was used as a case study to trace its source.A strong clockwise wind vortex within the Roaring Forties induced these large swells in the Gulf of Guinea approximately 5.5 days later,and swell propagation formed a regular isoline of peak period distribution from the South Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Guinea in the SSW-SW direction.展开更多
Two-dimensional(2D)transition metal dichalcogenides(TMDs),endowed with exceptional light-matter interaction strength,have become a pivotal platform in advanced optoelectronics,enabling atomically precise control of ex...Two-dimensional(2D)transition metal dichalcogenides(TMDs),endowed with exceptional light-matter interaction strength,have become a pivotal platform in advanced optoelectronics,enabling atomically precise control of excitonic phenomena and offering transformative potential for engineering next-generation optoelectronic devices.In contrast to the narrowband absorption characteristics of conventional band-edge excitons,which are limited by the bandgap energy,highenergy excitons not only demonstrate broad momentum matching capability in the ultraviolet regime due to band nesting effects,but also exhibit distinct absorption peak signatures owing to robust excitonic stabilization under 2D confinement.These unique photophysical properties have established such systems as a prominent research frontier in contemporary exciton physics.This review primarily outlines the distinctive physical characteristics of high-energy excitons in TMDs from the perspectives of band structure,excitonic characteristics,and optical properties.Subsequently,we systematically delineate cutting-edge developments in TMD-based photonic devices exploiting high-energy excitonic band-nesting phenomena,with dedicated emphasis on the strategic engineering of nanoscale heterostructures for tailored optoelectronic functionality.Finally,the discussion concludes with an examination of the challenges associated with the design of high-energy exciton devices and their potential future applications.展开更多
BACKGROUND Diabetic cognitive dysfunction(DCD)is one of the chronic complications of diabetes,but its mechanism is currently unknown.Studies have shown that mitochondrial fission mediated by calcium overload is an imp...BACKGROUND Diabetic cognitive dysfunction(DCD)is one of the chronic complications of diabetes,but its mechanism is currently unknown.Studies have shown that mitochondrial fission mediated by calcium overload is an important mechanism of DCD.Blocking calcium overload and restoring calcium homeostasis are key steps in treatment.Transient receptor potential melastatin 7(TRPM7)is a novel player in causing calcium overload.Our previous studies have shown that genetic silencing of TRPM7 in type 1 diabetic rats leads to significant improvements in cognitive function,but the specific mechanism remains unclear.Troxerutin,extracted from the flowers of Sophora japonica,is one of the derivatives of rutin and has been shown to have neuroprotective effects.However,its association with TRPM7 remains unclear.AIM To use animal and cellular models,we investigated whether TRPM7 mediated mitochondrial fission by upregulation of calcineurin(CaN)/dynamin-related protein 1(Drp1)ser637 in DCD,and whether Troxerutin improved DCD by inhibiting TRPM7-mediated mitochondrial division.METHODS In this study,we used db/db mice and hippocampal neuronal cell lines(HT22)treated with high-concentration glucose as our study subjects.We evaluated cognitive function using Morris water maze,novel object recognition tasks,and Nesting tests.We observed mitochondrial morphology using transmission electron microscopy and measured mitochondrial energy metabolism indicators using a spectrophotometer.We also detected mRNA and protein expression of TRPM7,CaN,p-Drp1^(ser637),caspase-3,B-cell lymphoma 2 associated X protein,and B-cell lymphoma 2 using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction,western blotting,and immunofluorescence.RESULTS In the db/db diabetic mice with cognitive dysfunction,as well as in hippocampal neurons exposed to high-concentration glucose,TRPM7 and CaN expression were upregulated,phosphorylated Drp1^(ser637)expression was downregulated,and mitochondrial fission was increased.By modulating(inhibiting or overexpressing)TRPM7,it was further validated that TRPM7 activates the CaN/Drp1^(ser637)pathway,resulting in an increase in mitochondrial fission and neuronal cell apoptosis.Troxerutin downregulated TRPM7/CaN/Drp1^(ser637),reduced mitochondrial fission,and improved DCD.CONCLUSION TRPM7 promotes mitochondrial fission via the CaN/Drp1^(ser637)pathway.Troxerutin improves mitochondrial function and reduces neuronal damage by inhibiting this pathway,suggesting TRPM7 as a potential therapeutic target for DCD.展开更多
Predator dummies are usually used to explore the impact of predator features on the anti-predator behavior of birds.Previous studies have shown that the morphology and behavior of aerial predators can signal different...Predator dummies are usually used to explore the impact of predator features on the anti-predator behavior of birds.Previous studies have shown that the morphology and behavior of aerial predators can signal different threat levels to birds.However,whether subtle changes in ground predator dummies cause changes in the nest defense behavior of parent birds is unclear.In this study,we aimed to investigate whether Japanese Tits(Parus minor)exhibit different nest defense behaviors in response to experimentally manipulated variations in the appearance,posture,and size of virtual snake proxies(common nest predators).During the incubation period,we observed the nest defense behaviors of the parent tits against taxidermized Siberian Ratsnakes(Elaphe schrenckii)with varied characteristics and rubber-made model snakes.The tits exhibited more intense responses to taxidermized large(body length about 120 cm)coiled ratsnakes than to large coiled model snakes.They exhibited weaker responses to taxidermized small(body length about 20 cm)coiled ratsnakes than to taxidermized small sinusoidal ratsnakes.In addition,they exhibited more intense responses to taxidermized large coiled ratsnakes than to taxidermized small coiled ratsnakes,and more intense responses to taxidermized small sinusoidal ratsnakes than to large model snakes.However,there was no difference in the response of tits to taxidermized small sinusoidal ratsnakes and taxidermized large coiled ratsnakes,or to taxidermized small coiled ratsnakes and model snakes.Thus,the presence of scales,a sinusoidal posture,and a large body size of snake dummies can induce more intense behavioral responses in Japanese Tits.We suggested that Japanese Tits can discriminate subtle differences in ground predator dummies of nests and exhibit different nest defense behaviors.展开更多
BACKGROUND The impact of psychiatric disorder,especially depression,on the prognosis of sarcopenic patients is gaining prominence.Yet,there have been very few studies focusing on this issue,let alone the related targe...BACKGROUND The impact of psychiatric disorder,especially depression,on the prognosis of sarcopenic patients is gaining prominence.Yet,there have been very few studies focusing on this issue,let alone the related targeted mental health prevention.This cohort-based nested case-control study is geared to compare risk of depression and the depression-related ambulatory care utilization for sarcopenia persons with and without receiving add-on Chinese herbal medicines(CHMs)treatment.AIM To compare risk of depression and the depression-related ambulatory care utili-zation for sarcopenia persons with and without receiving add-on CHMs treat-ment.METHODS In the beginning,we recruited those aged 20-70 years with newly diagnosed sarcopenia and free of depression between 2002 and 2010 from a nationwide insurance database.From them,we identified cases with depression onset occurring after sarcopenia until December 31,2013.To cautiously isolate the effect of CHMs,we established the matched sets of treated and untreated subjects with CHMs use by randomly frequency matching.A conditional logistic regression was executed to explore the association of CHMs to depression risk,and the frequency and costs of depression-related ambulatory care were compared using Mann-Whitney U test.RESULTS Addition of CHMs to routine care of sarcopenia notably correlated with a lower risk of depression.A remarkable effect of CHMs in reducing depression was detected when sarcopenia subjects received CHMs for more than three years,lowering depression risk by as much as 65%.As compared to CHMs users,the non-CHMs users indeed incurred higher frequency and costs of depression-related ambulatory care after depression attack(P<0.05).Notably,the costs for per depression-related ambulatory care profoundly increased with the years after depression attack.CONCLUSION Sarcopenic patients can greatly benefit from add-on CHMs treatment,underscoring the urgent need for interdisciplinary collaboration and proactive treatment planning.展开更多
Roads are a leading cause of habitat fragmentation and may reduce bird populations by increasing nest predation rates.However,few studies have investigated the effects of traffic volume on the reproductive success of ...Roads are a leading cause of habitat fragmentation and may reduce bird populations by increasing nest predation rates.However,few studies have investigated the effects of traffic volume on the reproductive success of roadside birds in the neotropics.Our goal was to evaluate the effects of spatial,temporal,and vehicle flow variations on the survival of artificial open-cup nests.The study was carried out in a nature reserve on the side of a highway during the breeding season(from October to March)in two restinga(sand-coastal plain)phytophysiognomies in southeastern Brazil:non-floodable(open)and floodable(closed).One hundred thirty nests were distributed along transects ranging from 3 m to 300 m from the highway in each vegetation type(totaling 260 nests).The nests were checked every three days for their status(depredated or intact)over 12 days,and new nests were subsequently placed near sampling points of depredated or successful nests.We estimated survival using logistic exposure generalized linear and additive mixed models.At the end of the 180 days of the experiment,33%of 6202 nests were successful.Nest survival was higher in open restinga than in closed restinga.In both habitats,nest survival was lowest mid-season and highest at the beginning and end.Survival rates peaked near the highway,declined up to 50 m away,then showed a slight increase.Finally,survival increased at moderate-to-high traffic volumes(∼22,000 vehicles/day),particularly in open restinga.We suggest that spatial,temporal,and habitat-specific highway impacts(e.g.,noise,vibration,visual stimuli)can lead to variations in the activity of nest predators,generating fluctuations in nest survival associated with predator behavior.展开更多
Propane dehydrogenation(PDH)has emerged as a key on-purpose technology for the production of propylene,but it often depends on toxic chromium and expensive platinum catalysts,highlighting the need for environmentally ...Propane dehydrogenation(PDH)has emerged as a key on-purpose technology for the production of propylene,but it often depends on toxic chromium and expensive platinum catalysts,highlighting the need for environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternatives.In this study,we developed a facile impregnation method to fabricate unsaturated Co single-atoms with a tricoordinated Co_(1)O_(3)H_(x) structure by regulating silanol nests in purely siliceous Beta zeolites.Detailed PDH catalytic tests and characterizations revealed a positive correlation between the presence of silanol nests and enhanced catalytic activity.Additionally,the unsaturated Co single-atoms exhibited a carbon deposition rate more than an order of magnitude slower than that of Co nanoparticles.Notably,the optimized Co_(0.3%)/deAl-meso-Beta catalyst achieved a record-high propylene formation rate of 21.2 mmol_(C3H6) g_(cat)^(-1) h^(-1),with an exceptional propylene selectivity of 99.1%at 550℃.Moreover,the Co_(0.3%)/deAl-meso-Beta catalyst demonstrated excellent stability,with negligible deactivation after 5 consecutive regeneration cycles.This study emphasizes the pivotal role of silanol nests of zeolites in stabilizing and modulating the coordination environment of metallic active sites,providing valuable insights for the design of high-activity,high-stability,and low-cost PDH catalysts.展开更多
Urban green spaces and parks offer opportunities for retaining and increasing bird richness, diversity, and species abundance. However, urbanisation influences predator–prey interactions, leading to high predation ra...Urban green spaces and parks offer opportunities for retaining and increasing bird richness, diversity, and species abundance. However, urbanisation influences predator–prey interactions, leading to high predation rates in urban areas, in the UK notably through the presence of large populations of domestic cats and increased populations of synanthropic species, such as rats and squirrels. These high predation rates are assumed to be a significant cause of reproductive failure in birds. Some ecologists advocate for the use of buffer zones with reduced human influence to reduce potential hunting pressure in eco-sensitive areas. However, the buffer effect on predation rates of nesting birds in suburban areas is rarely investigated. In this study, we investigated how edge effects (how close nest sites are to housing) and nest height (i.e., ground vs. above-ground) affected nest predation rates in a suburban park using camera traps to monitor artificial nests containing quail eggs. Our hypothesis was that nests in the buffer area (<300 m inward from university boundary) and at low height would suffer higher predation rates than nests in the core area (>300 m from the university boundary) and at height, as the buffer zone effect, and ease of access to ground predators would result in higher predation rates. We found no significant effect of nest height in nest predation rates. However, contrary to our expectations, nests in the core zone suffered higher predation rates than those in the buffer zone, and corvids were responsible for almost half of the egg loss events. We speculate that this may be a consequence of higher levels of anthropogenic disturbance (e.g., pedestrians, dog walking, vehicles) adjacent to our buffer zone acting as a deterrent to avian nest predators. This work suggests that protecting urban sites from disturbance may not always act to support bird abundance.展开更多
Advertisement calls are essential for communication among anuran amphibians,with their production influenced by a range of environmental factors and morphological traits.To understand the primary sources of variation ...Advertisement calls are essential for communication among anuran amphibians,with their production influenced by a range of environmental factors and morphological traits.To understand the primary sources of variation of advertisement calls in male Leptobrachium liui,we recorded their advertisement calls during the breeding season and analyzed two primary acoustic parameters: call duration(CD) and dominant frequency(DF),along with their within-individual coefficients of variation.Additionally,we collected nest-related environmental parameters and morphological traits to investigate how these factors influence the variation in advertisement calls.Our analyses revealed that both nest-related environmental parameters(particularly water temperature) and individual morphological traits(especially head morphology) significantly influenced advertisement call characteristics in male L.liui.Water temperature showed a negative relationship with CD,while head morphology was positively associated with both CD and DF.These findings enhance our understanding of the factors shaping acoustic communication in L.liui during the breeding season and highlight the importance of both environmental and morphological factors in anuran vocalization.展开更多
文摘This review article provides a comprehensive analysis of nesting optimization algorithms in the shipbuilding industry,emphasizing their role in improving material utilization,minimizing waste,and enhancing production efficiency.The shipbuilding process involves the complex cutting and arrangement of steel plates,making the optimization of these operations vital for cost-effectiveness and sustainability.Nesting algorithms are broadly classified into four categories:exact,heuristic,metaheuristic,and hybrid.Exact algorithms ensure optimal solutions but are computationally demanding.In contrast,heuristic algorithms deliver quicker results using practical rules,although they may not consistently achieve optimal outcomes.Metaheuristic algorithms combine multiple heuristics to effectively explore solution spaces,striking a balance between solution quality and computational efficiency.Hybrid algorithms integrate the strengths of different approaches to further enhance performance.This review systematically assesses these algorithms using criteria such as material dimensions,part geometry,component layout,and computational efficiency.The findings highlight the significant potential of advanced nesting techniques to improve material utilization,reduce production costs,and promote sustainable practices in shipbuilding.By adopting suitable nesting solutions,shipbuilders can achieve greater efficiency,optimized resource management,and superior overall performance.Future research directions should focus on integrating machine learning and real-time adaptability to further enhance nesting algorithms,paving the way for smarter,more sustainable manufacturing practices in the shipbuilding industry.
基金Supported by the National Key Technology and Equipment Project of the 10th Five-Year Plan (ZZ02-03-03-01)
文摘According to the cutting stock problem of 2-dimensional shapes, a nesting system （NS） based on hybrid genetic algorithm （HGA） is established. The system optimizes the sequence and angles of polygons with hybrid Genetic Algorithm to accomplish the superior solution. It nests the irregular shape directly without covering irregular shapes with a rectangle. It also improves the decoding strategy of 2-dimensional shapes nesting based on the classical bottom-left strategy, makes the new strategy be universal to convex polygons, concave polygons and line-circular composted polygons.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.12122405,12274169,and 11574109)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities。
文摘The high-pressure phase diagram of the Nb-Ti binary system at 0 K is explored by systematic crystal structure prediction.The results highlight a novel niobium-rich bcc phase,Nb_(7)Ti,which is the only dynamically stable ordered Nb-Ti compound under ambient pressure.Extensive first-principles calculations have provided insights into the electronic structure,bonding and superconducting properties of Nb_(7)Ti.The superconducting transition temperature(T_(c))for Nb_(7)Ti at ambient pressure is estimated within the framework of BCS theory to be about 17.5 K,which is significantly higher—nearly double—that of the widely utilized NbTi alloy.Furthermore,the results unveil that the high T_(c) is mainly attributed to the unique ordered lattice along with the strong electron-phonon coupling driven by interatomic interactions at mid-frequency and phonon softening induced by low-frequency Fermi surface nesting.Valuable insights are provided for the subsequent synthesis of application-oriented superconductors at low pressure.
基金the State Assignment,project 075-00347-19-00(Patterns of the spatiotemporal dynamics of meadow and forest ecosystems in mountainous areas(Russian Western and Central Caucasus)WWF's‘Save the Forest-Home of Raptors’project(2020-2022).
文摘Abiotic factors play an important role in species localisation,but biotic and anthropogenic predictors must also be considered in distribution modelling for models to be biologically meaningful.In this study,we formalised the biotic predictors of nesting sites for four threatened Caucasian vultures by including species distribution models(wild ungulates,nesting tree species)as biotic layers in the vulture Maxent models.Maxent was applied in the R dismo package and the best set of the model parameters were defined in the R ENMeval package.Performance metrics were continuous Boyce index,Akaike's information criterion,the area under receiver operating curve and true skill statistics.We also calculated and evaluated the null models.Kernel density estimation method was applied to assess the overlap of vulture ecological niches in the environmental space.The accessibility of anthropogenic food resources was estimated using the Path Distance measure that considers elevation gradient.The availability of pine forests(Scots Pine)and wild ungulates(Alpine Chamois and Caucasian Goat)contributed the most(29.6%and 34.3%)to Cinereous Vulture(Aegypius monachus)nesting site model.Wild ungulate distribution also contributed significantly(about 46%)to the Bearded Vulture(Gypaetus barbatus)model.This scavenger nests in the highlands of the Caucasus at a minimum distance of 5–10 km from anthropogenic facilities.In contrast,livestock as a food source was most important in colony distribution of Griffon Vulture(Gyps fulvus).The contribution of distances to settlements and agricultural facilities to the model was 45%.The optimal distance from Egyptian Vulture(Neophron percnopterus)nesting sites to settlements was only 3–10 km,to livestock facilities no more than 15 km with the factor contribution of about 57%.Excluding the wild ungulate availability,the ecological niches of studied vultures overlapped significantly.Despite similar foraging and nesting requirements,Caucasian vultures are not pronounced nesting and trophic competitors due to the abundance of nesting sites,anthropogenic food sources and successful niche sharing.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32271743,31071908).
文摘Urbanization induced by human activities presents both challenges and adaptive opportunities for wildlife.One notable impact of urban sprawl is the vast amount of waste it produces,which has discernible effects on wildlife.Interestingly,an emerging trend has been observed that birds are incorporating anthropogenic materials into their nests.However,the relationship between anthropogenic nesting materials(ANMs)and the reproductive performance of urban birds is unclear.In this study,we investigated the relationship between the incorporation of ANMs into nests and the reproductive performance of Chinese Bulbuls(Pycnonotus sinensis)by monitoring and collecting data on 136 breeding nests in Hangzhou,China.We gathered data on seven reproductive traits of Chinese Bulbuls,including laying date,incubation period,nestling period,clutch size,egg volume,hatching success rate,and fledging success rate.We then calculated the urbanization synthetic index as a measure of the level of urbanization and examined its relationship with the proportion and weight of ANMs.Through examination of nest components,we observed significant increase in the proportion and weight of ANMs with the urbanization synthetic index.Notably,we found a higher hatching success rate of Chinese Bulbuls with an increasing proportion of ANMs.However,the inclusion of ANMs in nests was not correlated with other reproductive traits of Chinese Bulbuls.Overall,the use of ANMs by Chinese Bulbuls is consistent with the adaptive hypothesis and the availability hypothesis.Further studies should use controlled experiments to investigate the impact of ANMs on avian reproductive success.
基金The Scientific Research Foundation of the Third Institute of Oceanography,Ministry of Natural Resources under contract Nos 2020014 and 2020017the National Natural Science Foundation of China under contract No.41977211the National Program on Global Change and Air-Sea Interaction under contract No.GASI-02-SCS-YDsum。
文摘Petroleum hydrocarbon pollution is a global concern,particularly in coastal environments.Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs) are regarded as the most toxic components of petroleum hydrocarbons.In this study,the biomonitoring and ranking effects of petroleum hydrocarbons and PAHs on the marine fish model Oryzias melastigma embryos were determined in the Jiulong River Estuary(JRE) and its adjacent waters in China.The results showed that the levels of petroleum hydrocarbons from almost all sites met the primary standard for marine seawater quality,and the concentrations of the 16 priority PAHs in the surface seawater were lower compared with those in other coastal areas worldwide.A new fish expert system based on the embryotoxicity of O.melastigma(OME-FES) was developed and applied in the field to evaluate the biological effects of petroleum hydrocarbons and PAHs.The selected physiological index and molecular indicators in OME-FES were appropriate biomarkers for indicating the harmful effects of petroleum hydrocarbons and PAHs.The outcome of OME-FES revealed that the biological effect levels of the sampling sites ranged from level Ⅰ(no stress) to level Ⅲ(medium stress),which is further corroborated by the findings of nested analysis of variance(ANOVA) models.Our results suggest that the OME-FES is an effective tool for evaluating and ranking the biological effects of marine petroleum hydrocarbons and PAHs.This method may also be applied to evaluate other marine pollutants based on its framework.
文摘Nesting is a common problem in industries such as shipbuilding, auto-maker, clothing, shoe-making, and furniture, in which various parts are cut off from a stock or stocks while minimizing the wastes or maximizing the utilization of the stock. Berth allocation at seaside is also considered one form of two dimensional nesting problems, in which a ship is assigned a location for service during a certain time slot. This paper presents an expert system using a heuristic search method for nesting problems. The parts and stocks are represented by pixels with which utility function is used to evaluate current state in search tree. The system is developed in CLIPS, an expert system shell and applied to various example problems with different constraints and to a berth allocation example to illustrate its applicability under different conditions.
基金supported by the State Key Research Development Program of China(2018YFC0603705)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(FRF-IDRYGD22-004).
文摘Filling methods in the mining industry can maximize the recovery of mineral resources and protect the underground and surface environments.In recent years,such methods have been widely used in metal mines where pipeline transportation typically plays a decisive role in the safety and stability of the entirefilling system.Because thefilling slurry contains a large percentage of solid coarse particles,the involved pipeline is typically eroded and often damaged during such a process.A possible solution is the so-called nesting repair technology.In the present study,nesting a 127 mm outer diameter pipeline in 151 mm inner diameter borehole is considered to meet the repair objective.First,by using the rheological theory,the pipeline transmission resistance and self-flow conveying range are calculated under different working conditions.It is shown that the pipeline transmission resistance is larger when the inner diameter of casing is 80 mm,and the limitflow rate of vertical pipeline self-flow is 120 m^(3)/h;moreover,when the pipeline diameter is 100 mm and theflow rate is 140 m^(3)/h,the self-flow conveying can be satisfied in most of the underground−455 m stage.Accordingly,a plan is presented for the nesting repair strategy,based on the installation of a drill bit under the casing and lowering the casing into the borehole as if it were a drill pipe.Finally,the outcomes of such a strategy are verified.Thefillingflow rate range using the new pipelines is found to be in the range from 188.60 to 224.39 m^(3)/h,and its averagefillingflow rate reaches 209.83 m^(3)/h when conveying 2319.6 m long-distance quarry.
基金Servicio de Gestión del Medio Natural-Delegación de Cádiz from Consejería de Sostenibilidad, Medioambiente y Economía Azul (regional government)Saltpan Initiative Project (MAVA Foundation) and MEDARTSALT project (EU-ENICBC) provided the funding for the studyfunded by the Margarita Salas Grant (2021-067/PN/MS-RECUAL/CD) from the Ministry of Universities of the Government of Spain and the European Union。
文摘Shorebird populations are declining worldwide,mainly due to human disturbances and loss of coastal wetlands.However,supratidal habitats as saltpans could play a role in buffering human impact.Saltpans have shown to be important as feeding or breeding sites of some shorebird species.A potential conservation strategy to increase shorebird populations in saltpans is to manipulate the cues that birds use to select optimal breeding habitat.Here it is hypothesized that shorebirds are attracted to bivalve shells due to the advantages they offer.Following this hypothesis,we supplemented a restored saltpan in 2019 and 2021 with bivalve shells,expecting an increase in the number of breeding birds’ nests.More than 75% of Kentish Plover(Charadrius alexandrinus) and Little Tern(Sternula albifrons) nests were found in patches with shells in both years.The best model for both species indicates that the presence of shells is the factor that most correlates with the location of nests.The probability of choosing one place over another to settle their nest increases in areas with an abundance of shells,double in the case of the Kentish Plover and triple in the case of the Little Tern.The result of this study may constitute a valuable tool for attracting birds to restored saltpans and could contribute to the success of expensive restoration projects where time is usually a constraint.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(Grant No.2023YFA1406200)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.12374004 and 12174141)the High Performance Computing Center of Jilin University,China。
文摘The discovery of pressure-induced superconducting electrides has sparked a intense wave of interest in novel superconductors.However,opinions vary regarding the relationship between non-nuclear attractors(NNAs)and superconductivity,with two opposing views currently represented by the materials Li_(6)P and Li_(6)C.Here,we choose the ternary Li–C–P as a model system and reveal the underlying mechanism by which NNAs contribute to superconductivity.The loosely bound NNAs in the superlithide Li_(14)CP covalently bond with Li and form unique satellite interstitial electrons(SIEs)around Li near the Fermi level,dominating the superconductivity.First-principles calculations show that the SIEs progressively increase in number and couple strongly with phonons at high pressure.Moreover,the Fermi surface nesting associated with SIEs induces phonon softening,further enhancing the electron–phonon coupling and giving the superlithide Li_(14)CP a T_(c)of 10.6 K at 300 GPa.The leading role of SIEs in superconductivity is a general one and is also relevant to the recently predicted Li_(6)P and Li_(6)C.Our work presented here reshapes the understanding of NNA-dominated superconductivity and holds promise for guiding future discoveries and designs of novel high-temperature superconductors.
基金The National Key R&D Program of China under contract No.2023YFE0126300the National Natural Science Foundation of China under contract Nos 42066002 and U20A2099.
文摘Swells are critical concerns regarding safety,marine transportation,and coastal engineering construction of coastal countries along the Gulf of Guinea and have been scientific problems due to the lack of systematic theoretical,numerical,and observational research.In this study,a double nesting numerical model was constructed and validated from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Guinea based on simulating waves nearshore(SWAN)to explore the swell characteristics and source tracing in the Gulf of Guinea in winter and summer seasons from 2020 to 2021.Simulation results reveal that swells are stronger and deflect more to the west in winter than summer,even though they dominate in both seasons in the Gulf of Guinea in the S-SW directional range.Simulated two-dimensional(2D)wave spectral patterns not only clarify wave composition,variation,and propagation properties from the central South Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Guinea,but also distinguish swell strength and directional range in winter and summer.The NW wind events induce swells which spread toward the SSE-ESE direction from the North Atlantic Ocean,big wind source generates sustained and stable S-SW swells from the South Atlantic Ocean,and corresponding swell-influenced areas are discussed.The strongest swell event in the Gulf of Guinea during the simulation was used as a case study to trace its source.A strong clockwise wind vortex within the Roaring Forties induced these large swells in the Gulf of Guinea approximately 5.5 days later,and swell propagation formed a regular isoline of peak period distribution from the South Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Guinea in the SSW-SW direction.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars(Grant No.52025022)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.62574038,12474421,62275045,and 12074060)+1 种基金the National Key R&D Program of China(Grant No.2023YFB3610200)the Fund from Jilin Province(Grant Nos.JJKH20241413KJ and 20240601049RC)。
文摘Two-dimensional(2D)transition metal dichalcogenides(TMDs),endowed with exceptional light-matter interaction strength,have become a pivotal platform in advanced optoelectronics,enabling atomically precise control of excitonic phenomena and offering transformative potential for engineering next-generation optoelectronic devices.In contrast to the narrowband absorption characteristics of conventional band-edge excitons,which are limited by the bandgap energy,highenergy excitons not only demonstrate broad momentum matching capability in the ultraviolet regime due to band nesting effects,but also exhibit distinct absorption peak signatures owing to robust excitonic stabilization under 2D confinement.These unique photophysical properties have established such systems as a prominent research frontier in contemporary exciton physics.This review primarily outlines the distinctive physical characteristics of high-energy excitons in TMDs from the perspectives of band structure,excitonic characteristics,and optical properties.Subsequently,we systematically delineate cutting-edge developments in TMD-based photonic devices exploiting high-energy excitonic band-nesting phenomena,with dedicated emphasis on the strategic engineering of nanoscale heterostructures for tailored optoelectronic functionality.Finally,the discussion concludes with an examination of the challenges associated with the design of high-energy exciton devices and their potential future applications.
基金Supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province,No.H2021206187 and No.H2021206452.
文摘BACKGROUND Diabetic cognitive dysfunction(DCD)is one of the chronic complications of diabetes,but its mechanism is currently unknown.Studies have shown that mitochondrial fission mediated by calcium overload is an important mechanism of DCD.Blocking calcium overload and restoring calcium homeostasis are key steps in treatment.Transient receptor potential melastatin 7(TRPM7)is a novel player in causing calcium overload.Our previous studies have shown that genetic silencing of TRPM7 in type 1 diabetic rats leads to significant improvements in cognitive function,but the specific mechanism remains unclear.Troxerutin,extracted from the flowers of Sophora japonica,is one of the derivatives of rutin and has been shown to have neuroprotective effects.However,its association with TRPM7 remains unclear.AIM To use animal and cellular models,we investigated whether TRPM7 mediated mitochondrial fission by upregulation of calcineurin(CaN)/dynamin-related protein 1(Drp1)ser637 in DCD,and whether Troxerutin improved DCD by inhibiting TRPM7-mediated mitochondrial division.METHODS In this study,we used db/db mice and hippocampal neuronal cell lines(HT22)treated with high-concentration glucose as our study subjects.We evaluated cognitive function using Morris water maze,novel object recognition tasks,and Nesting tests.We observed mitochondrial morphology using transmission electron microscopy and measured mitochondrial energy metabolism indicators using a spectrophotometer.We also detected mRNA and protein expression of TRPM7,CaN,p-Drp1^(ser637),caspase-3,B-cell lymphoma 2 associated X protein,and B-cell lymphoma 2 using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction,western blotting,and immunofluorescence.RESULTS In the db/db diabetic mice with cognitive dysfunction,as well as in hippocampal neurons exposed to high-concentration glucose,TRPM7 and CaN expression were upregulated,phosphorylated Drp1^(ser637)expression was downregulated,and mitochondrial fission was increased.By modulating(inhibiting or overexpressing)TRPM7,it was further validated that TRPM7 activates the CaN/Drp1^(ser637)pathway,resulting in an increase in mitochondrial fission and neuronal cell apoptosis.Troxerutin downregulated TRPM7/CaN/Drp1^(ser637),reduced mitochondrial fission,and improved DCD.CONCLUSION TRPM7 promotes mitochondrial fission via the CaN/Drp1^(ser637)pathway.Troxerutin improves mitochondrial function and reduces neuronal damage by inhibiting this pathway,suggesting TRPM7 as a potential therapeutic target for DCD.
基金sponsored by National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.32271560 to H.W.,32001094 to J.Y.)Natural Science Foundation of Jilin Province,China(No.20230101160JC to L.J.)+1 种基金the Open Project of Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands,Hainan Normal University,China(No.HNSF-OP-202301 to J.Y.)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(No.2412022ZD019 to J.Y.)。
文摘Predator dummies are usually used to explore the impact of predator features on the anti-predator behavior of birds.Previous studies have shown that the morphology and behavior of aerial predators can signal different threat levels to birds.However,whether subtle changes in ground predator dummies cause changes in the nest defense behavior of parent birds is unclear.In this study,we aimed to investigate whether Japanese Tits(Parus minor)exhibit different nest defense behaviors in response to experimentally manipulated variations in the appearance,posture,and size of virtual snake proxies(common nest predators).During the incubation period,we observed the nest defense behaviors of the parent tits against taxidermized Siberian Ratsnakes(Elaphe schrenckii)with varied characteristics and rubber-made model snakes.The tits exhibited more intense responses to taxidermized large(body length about 120 cm)coiled ratsnakes than to large coiled model snakes.They exhibited weaker responses to taxidermized small(body length about 20 cm)coiled ratsnakes than to taxidermized small sinusoidal ratsnakes.In addition,they exhibited more intense responses to taxidermized large coiled ratsnakes than to taxidermized small coiled ratsnakes,and more intense responses to taxidermized small sinusoidal ratsnakes than to large model snakes.However,there was no difference in the response of tits to taxidermized small sinusoidal ratsnakes and taxidermized large coiled ratsnakes,or to taxidermized small coiled ratsnakes and model snakes.Thus,the presence of scales,a sinusoidal posture,and a large body size of snake dummies can induce more intense behavioral responses in Japanese Tits.We suggested that Japanese Tits can discriminate subtle differences in ground predator dummies of nests and exhibit different nest defense behaviors.
文摘BACKGROUND The impact of psychiatric disorder,especially depression,on the prognosis of sarcopenic patients is gaining prominence.Yet,there have been very few studies focusing on this issue,let alone the related targeted mental health prevention.This cohort-based nested case-control study is geared to compare risk of depression and the depression-related ambulatory care utilization for sarcopenia persons with and without receiving add-on Chinese herbal medicines(CHMs)treatment.AIM To compare risk of depression and the depression-related ambulatory care utili-zation for sarcopenia persons with and without receiving add-on CHMs treat-ment.METHODS In the beginning,we recruited those aged 20-70 years with newly diagnosed sarcopenia and free of depression between 2002 and 2010 from a nationwide insurance database.From them,we identified cases with depression onset occurring after sarcopenia until December 31,2013.To cautiously isolate the effect of CHMs,we established the matched sets of treated and untreated subjects with CHMs use by randomly frequency matching.A conditional logistic regression was executed to explore the association of CHMs to depression risk,and the frequency and costs of depression-related ambulatory care were compared using Mann-Whitney U test.RESULTS Addition of CHMs to routine care of sarcopenia notably correlated with a lower risk of depression.A remarkable effect of CHMs in reducing depression was detected when sarcopenia subjects received CHMs for more than three years,lowering depression risk by as much as 65%.As compared to CHMs users,the non-CHMs users indeed incurred higher frequency and costs of depression-related ambulatory care after depression attack(P<0.05).Notably,the costs for per depression-related ambulatory care profoundly increased with the years after depression attack.CONCLUSION Sarcopenic patients can greatly benefit from add-on CHMs treatment,underscoring the urgent need for interdisciplinary collaboration and proactive treatment planning.
基金supports were provided by the Concessionária Rodovia do Sol/SA(RodoSol)the Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico(CNPq,grant:45.6446/2014/1)+2 种基金the São Paulo Research Foundation(FAPESP,Process Number#2024/13237-3)PD received a postdoctoral fellowship from the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior(CAPES,grant:88887.469218/2019-00)CD is grateful to CNPq(Bolsa de Produtividade em Pesquisa,grant:308997/2023-9).
文摘Roads are a leading cause of habitat fragmentation and may reduce bird populations by increasing nest predation rates.However,few studies have investigated the effects of traffic volume on the reproductive success of roadside birds in the neotropics.Our goal was to evaluate the effects of spatial,temporal,and vehicle flow variations on the survival of artificial open-cup nests.The study was carried out in a nature reserve on the side of a highway during the breeding season(from October to March)in two restinga(sand-coastal plain)phytophysiognomies in southeastern Brazil:non-floodable(open)and floodable(closed).One hundred thirty nests were distributed along transects ranging from 3 m to 300 m from the highway in each vegetation type(totaling 260 nests).The nests were checked every three days for their status(depredated or intact)over 12 days,and new nests were subsequently placed near sampling points of depredated or successful nests.We estimated survival using logistic exposure generalized linear and additive mixed models.At the end of the 180 days of the experiment,33%of 6202 nests were successful.Nest survival was higher in open restinga than in closed restinga.In both habitats,nest survival was lowest mid-season and highest at the beginning and end.Survival rates peaked near the highway,declined up to 50 m away,then showed a slight increase.Finally,survival increased at moderate-to-high traffic volumes(∼22,000 vehicles/day),particularly in open restinga.We suggest that spatial,temporal,and habitat-specific highway impacts(e.g.,noise,vibration,visual stimuli)can lead to variations in the activity of nest predators,generating fluctuations in nest survival associated with predator behavior.
文摘Propane dehydrogenation(PDH)has emerged as a key on-purpose technology for the production of propylene,but it often depends on toxic chromium and expensive platinum catalysts,highlighting the need for environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternatives.In this study,we developed a facile impregnation method to fabricate unsaturated Co single-atoms with a tricoordinated Co_(1)O_(3)H_(x) structure by regulating silanol nests in purely siliceous Beta zeolites.Detailed PDH catalytic tests and characterizations revealed a positive correlation between the presence of silanol nests and enhanced catalytic activity.Additionally,the unsaturated Co single-atoms exhibited a carbon deposition rate more than an order of magnitude slower than that of Co nanoparticles.Notably,the optimized Co_(0.3%)/deAl-meso-Beta catalyst achieved a record-high propylene formation rate of 21.2 mmol_(C3H6) g_(cat)^(-1) h^(-1),with an exceptional propylene selectivity of 99.1%at 550℃.Moreover,the Co_(0.3%)/deAl-meso-Beta catalyst demonstrated excellent stability,with negligible deactivation after 5 consecutive regeneration cycles.This study emphasizes the pivotal role of silanol nests of zeolites in stabilizing and modulating the coordination environment of metallic active sites,providing valuable insights for the design of high-activity,high-stability,and low-cost PDH catalysts.
文摘Urban green spaces and parks offer opportunities for retaining and increasing bird richness, diversity, and species abundance. However, urbanisation influences predator–prey interactions, leading to high predation rates in urban areas, in the UK notably through the presence of large populations of domestic cats and increased populations of synanthropic species, such as rats and squirrels. These high predation rates are assumed to be a significant cause of reproductive failure in birds. Some ecologists advocate for the use of buffer zones with reduced human influence to reduce potential hunting pressure in eco-sensitive areas. However, the buffer effect on predation rates of nesting birds in suburban areas is rarely investigated. In this study, we investigated how edge effects (how close nest sites are to housing) and nest height (i.e., ground vs. above-ground) affected nest predation rates in a suburban park using camera traps to monitor artificial nests containing quail eggs. Our hypothesis was that nests in the buffer area (<300 m inward from university boundary) and at low height would suffer higher predation rates than nests in the core area (>300 m from the university boundary) and at height, as the buffer zone effect, and ease of access to ground predators would result in higher predation rates. We found no significant effect of nest height in nest predation rates. However, contrary to our expectations, nests in the core zone suffered higher predation rates than those in the buffer zone, and corvids were responsible for almost half of the egg loss events. We speculate that this may be a consequence of higher levels of anthropogenic disturbance (e.g., pedestrians, dog walking, vehicles) adjacent to our buffer zone acting as a deterrent to avian nest predators. This work suggests that protecting urban sites from disturbance may not always act to support bird abundance.
基金supported by the County-School Cooperation Project in Suichang County (2024-HZ12)Ecological Discipline Construction Fund of Lishui University。
文摘Advertisement calls are essential for communication among anuran amphibians,with their production influenced by a range of environmental factors and morphological traits.To understand the primary sources of variation of advertisement calls in male Leptobrachium liui,we recorded their advertisement calls during the breeding season and analyzed two primary acoustic parameters: call duration(CD) and dominant frequency(DF),along with their within-individual coefficients of variation.Additionally,we collected nest-related environmental parameters and morphological traits to investigate how these factors influence the variation in advertisement calls.Our analyses revealed that both nest-related environmental parameters(particularly water temperature) and individual morphological traits(especially head morphology) significantly influenced advertisement call characteristics in male L.liui.Water temperature showed a negative relationship with CD,while head morphology was positively associated with both CD and DF.These findings enhance our understanding of the factors shaping acoustic communication in L.liui during the breeding season and highlight the importance of both environmental and morphological factors in anuran vocalization.
