Autism spectrum disorder(ASD)is a multifaceted neurological developmental condition that manifests in several ways.Nearly all autistic children remain undiagnosed before the age of three.Developmental problems affecti...Autism spectrum disorder(ASD)is a multifaceted neurological developmental condition that manifests in several ways.Nearly all autistic children remain undiagnosed before the age of three.Developmental problems affecting face features are often associated with fundamental brain disorders.The facial evolution of newborns with ASD is quite different from that of typically developing children.Early recognition is very significant to aid families and parents in superstition and denial.Distinguishing facial features from typically developing children is an evident manner to detect children analyzed with ASD.Presently,artificial intelligence(AI)significantly contributes to the emerging computer-aided diagnosis(CAD)of autism and to the evolving interactivemethods that aid in the treatment and reintegration of autistic patients.This study introduces an Ensemble of deep learning models based on the autism spectrum disorder detection in facial images(EDLM-ASDDFI)model.The overarching goal of the EDLM-ASDDFI model is to recognize the difference between facial images of individuals with ASD and normal controls.In the EDLM-ASDDFI method,the primary level of data pre-processing is involved by Gabor filtering(GF).Besides,the EDLM-ASDDFI technique applies the MobileNetV2 model to learn complex features from the pre-processed data.For the ASD detection process,the EDLM-ASDDFI method uses ensemble techniques for classification procedure that encompasses long short-term memory(LSTM),deep belief network(DBN),and hybrid kernel extreme learning machine(HKELM).Finally,the hyperparameter selection of the three deep learning(DL)models can be implemented by the design of the crested porcupine optimizer(CPO)technique.An extensive experiment was conducted to emphasize the improved ASD detection performance of the EDLM-ASDDFI method.The simulation outcomes indicated that the EDLM-ASDDFI technique highlighted betterment over other existing models in terms of numerous performance measures.展开更多
In order to forecast the distribution of crest amplitudes and the occurrence of freak waves in a short crested coastal sea,a novel transformed linear simulation method is initially proposed in this paper.A Hermite tra...In order to forecast the distribution of crest amplitudes and the occurrence of freak waves in a short crested coastal sea,a novel transformed linear simulation method is initially proposed in this paper.A Hermite transformation model expressed as a monotonic cubic polynomial serves as the foundation for the novel simulation technique.The wave crest amplitude exceedance probabilities of two sea states-one with a directional wave spectrum based on the measured wave elevation data at the Yura coast and the other with a typical directional JONSWAP wave spectrum-have been predicted using the novel simulation method that has been proposed.The likelihood that a particular critical wave crest amplitude will be exceeded is directly correlated with the probability that freak waves will occur.It is shown that the novel simulation approach suggested can provide predictions that are more precise than those obtained from the Rayleigh crest amplitude distribution model,the Jahns and Wheeler crest amplitude distribution model,or the conventional linear simulation method.This study also demonstrated that the nonlinear simulation method is less effective than the novel simulation method in terms of efficiency.展开更多
The Crested Ibis(Nipponia Nippon) is endemic to Qinling Mountains of China and was once abundant over vast areas of north-east of Asia habitat.During the 20th century,however,the population declined greatly in numbers...The Crested Ibis(Nipponia Nippon) is endemic to Qinling Mountains of China and was once abundant over vast areas of north-east of Asia habitat.During the 20th century,however,the population declined greatly in numbers.Habitat quality used to be the main threat to this species but recent actions by the government and wildlife protection organizations have brought this under control.With the establishment of Crested Ibis Nature Reserve in China,conflicts between socio-economic development and Crested Ibis conservation have become more acute.How do we deal with the relation between Crested Ibis conservation and community development? In this study,the Crested Ibis Nature Reserve co-management model namely "companies + farmers + Nature Reserve" model is proposed and evaluated with demonstration investigation methods,including continuous six-year fixed-site socio-economic development data of surrounding community,company sales revenue data and monitored data of Crested Ibis Nature Reserve.The results show that farmers' income and conservation awareness increased greatly from 2003 to 2008;company sales revenue has increased by about 20% annually in the recent years;management level has noticeably improved in Nature Reserve,the scope of Crested Ibis habitat has expanded 50 hm2;chemical composition of habitat reduced year after year;and the number of Crested Ibis had been growing annually.At the end,the success of the model is evaluated,and problems in implementation of the model are discussed from the following aspects:management system,co-management concept,economic base of partners,marketing mechanism,technical capacity and so on.展开更多
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...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.展开更多
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...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.展开更多
In this study we have for the first time proposed a novel transformed linear simulation method for the estimation of wave crest amplitudes distribution and freak wave occurrence in a short crested mixed sea with a bim...In this study we have for the first time proposed a novel transformed linear simulation method for the estimation of wave crest amplitudes distribution and freak wave occurrence in a short crested mixed sea with a bimodal 3D spectrum. For implementing the proposed transformed linear simulation method, a Hermite transformation model expressed in a monotonic cubic polynomial has been constructed so that the first four moments of the original true process match the corresponding moments of the transformed model. The proposed novel simulation method has been applied to forecast the freak wave occurrence in two short crested mixed sea states, one with a directional wave spectrum based on the measured surface elevation data at the coast of Yura, and the other one with a typical directional bimodal Torsethaugen wave spectrum. It is shown in the two cases that the proposed novel simulation method can offer more accurate forecasting results than those obtained from the traditional linear simulation method or by using Rayleigh distribution model. It is also demonstrated in this article that the proposed novel simulation method is more efficient than the nonlinear simulation method.展开更多
The stability of single layer armour units on low crested and submerged breakwaters has been investigated in 2D hydraulic model tests. Armour unit movements including settlements, rocking and displacements have been d...The stability of single layer armour units on low crested and submerged breakwaters has been investigated in 2D hydraulic model tests. Armour unit movements including settlements, rocking and displacements have been determined. The effect of freeboard, packing density and wave steepness on the armour layer stability on crest, front and rear slope has been investigated. Armour units were mostly displaced in the most upper part of the seaward slope and at the seaward side of the crest. Damage on the crest was progressing towards the rear slope. About 40% to 50% larger armour units are required on the seaward slope and crest of low crested structures （as compared to conventional high crested breakwaters）. About 35% larger armour units are required on the rear slope. Larger armour units are not required on submerged breakwaters if the water depth on the crest exceeds 40% of design wave height.展开更多
Three Chinese Crested Terns (Sterna bernsteini) were seen stopping at the Golden Coast of Rizhao (city), southern Shandong Province, China, on 6 September 2011. This is the third record of the bird appearing in northern
The propagation of circularly crested thermoelastic diffusive waves in an infinite homogeneous transversely isotropic plate subjected to stress free, isothermal/insulated and chemical potential conditions is investiga...The propagation of circularly crested thermoelastic diffusive waves in an infinite homogeneous transversely isotropic plate subjected to stress free, isothermal/insulated and chemical potential conditions is investigated in the framework of different thermo- elastic diffusion theories. The dispersion equations of thermoelastic diffusive Lamb type waves are derived. Some special cases of the dispersion equations are also deduced.展开更多
Reintroduction has become a common conservation management tool to restore endangered species in their historical range.However,many attempts have failed to establish self-sustaining populations in the wild.The succes...Reintroduction has become a common conservation management tool to restore endangered species in their historical range.However,many attempts have failed to establish self-sustaining populations in the wild.The success of reintroductions could be improved by varying release strategies.Therefore,it is vital to determine the factors influencing reintroduction outcomes.To better understand the post-release settlement and to optimize the release strategy of the Crested Ibis(Nipponia nippon),we quantified the effects of age,sex,acclimation duration,and the timing of release events on post-release survival and dispersal distance for the released Crested Ibis in Tongchuan City,Shaanxi Province,using a generalized linear mixed effect modeling approach.Our results indicate that 40–56.3%of the released individuals survived the first year following release.Mortality was attributable to flight collisions,starvation,disease,and unknown reasons.The post-release survival probability of ibises showed a negative association with age(estimate=-0.186;95%CI:-0.350 to-0.022;P=0.026),and post-release dispersal distance was affected by the timing of release event(estimate=0.718;95%CI:0.025 to1.253;P=0.042).However,sex and acclimation period duration did not cause detectable differences in postrelease survival probability and dispersal distance.Based on our results,optimal release strategies for establishing a reintroduced population of the Crested Ibis include:(1)release of sub-adults biased and sex ratio balanced initial groups;(2)release during the non-breeding season;and(3)food supplementation immediately after release.展开更多
Determining how animals respond to resource availability across spatial and temporal extents is crucial to understand ecological processes underpinning habitat selection.Here,we used a multi-scale approach to study th...Determining how animals respond to resource availability across spatial and temporal extents is crucial to understand ecological processes underpinning habitat selection.Here,we used a multi-scale approach to study the year-round habitat selection of the Crested Tit(Lophophanes cristatus)in a semi-natural lowland woodland of northern Italy,analysing different habitat features at each scale.We performed Crested Tit censuses at three different spatial scales.At the macrohabitat scale,we used geolocalized observations of individuals to compute Manly's habitat selection index,based on a detailed land-use map of the study area.At the microhabitat scale,the trees features were compared between presence and absence locations.At the foraging habitat scale,individual foraging birds and their specific position on trees were recorded using focal animal sampling.Censuses were performed during both the breeding(March to May)and wintering(December to January)seasons.At the macrohabitat scale,the Crested Tits significantly selected pure and mixed pine forests and avoided woods of alien plant species,farmlands and urban areas.At the microhabitat scale,old pine woods with dense cover were selected,with no significant difference in the features of tree selection between the two phenological phases.At the foraging habitat scale,the species was observed spending more time foraging in the canopies than in the understorey,using mostly the portion of Scots Pine(Pinus sylvestris)canopies closer to the trunk in winter,while during the breeding period,the whole canopy was visited.Overall,breeding and wintering habitats largely overlapped in the Crested Tit.Based on our findings,lowland Crested Tits can be well defined as true habitat specialists:they are strictly related to some specific coniferous woodland features.Noteworthily,compared to other tit species,which normally show generalist habits during winter,the Crested Tit behaves as a habitat specialist also out of the breeding season.Our study stressed the importance of considering multi-scale(both spatial and phenological)habitat selection in birds.展开更多
In this work, experiment efforts were devoted to study the effect of the longitudinal slope of channel on the discharge coefficient for ogee spillway and broad crested weir. A comprehensive laboratory study including ...In this work, experiment efforts were devoted to study the effect of the longitudinal slope of channel on the discharge coefficient for ogee spillway and broad crested weir. A comprehensive laboratory study including 17 tests was conducted to estimate the variation of the discharge coefficient due to variation of the longitudinal slope. It was shown that the discharge coefficient is significantly increasing with the increase of the slope by more than 90% or 75% and 80% or 70% for weir and spillway in case of excluding or including the approach velocity head, respectively. Also, CFD （computational fluid dynamics） with a help of Comsol-multyphsics program was used to simulate the problem. The program explained that the linear distribution of the hydraulic pressure changes to a non-linear distribution as the longitudinal slope is considered. Consequently, the values of the discharge coefficient are also affected.展开更多
This paper presents the data from two-year experiments concerning with doses of sewage sludge （0, 7, 14 and 21 ton.ha^-1） and inorganic nitrogen doses （0, 50, 100 and 150 kg.ha^-1） from the Municipality of Van, wh...This paper presents the data from two-year experiments concerning with doses of sewage sludge （0, 7, 14 and 21 ton.ha^-1） and inorganic nitrogen doses （0, 50, 100 and 150 kg.ha^-1） from the Municipality of Van, which is located at an altitude of 1,725 m of eastern Anatolia in Turkey. A study was conducted to assess two different N sources on sandy-silty-clay soils grown to crested wheatgrass Agropyron cristatum （L.） Gaertn, grass pasture which had been amended with sewage sludge for two years. Plant tissue and DTPA （diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid） extractable soil nutrient were evaluated; twelve elements were analyzed in the plant tissue and six elements in the soil extract in different soil depths. The research demonstrated that the applications produced increase contents of N, P, Mg, Mn, Zn and Pb in the plant. There was a significant （P 〈 0.01） accumulation of DTPA extractable concentrations of Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn and Pb in the top soil horizon. Also, sewage sludge resulted in 51 folded increase in extractable P in 0-20 cm soil horizon. However, DTPA concentrations of in soil showed that Fe exhibited a significant positive correlation with the concentrations of exchangeable fractions of Mn, Cu, Zn and Pb with the correlation. Positive correlations were also observed between Cu-Mn, Mn-Zn, Mn-Pb, Cu-Zn, Cu-Pb and Zn-Pb concentrations. In the same way, plant uptake of the Mn, Zn and Pb was highly correlated with concentrations of Cu, Zn and Pb in the soil. It was concluded that sewage sludge is a valuable source of nutrient and also provides an opportunity to increase soil organic matter.展开更多
Two-dimensional physical models of low crested breakwaters were tested to establish the effect of water depth, crest width, slope, stone size, core permeability and incident wave characteristics on the wave transforma...Two-dimensional physical models of low crested breakwaters were tested to establish the effect of water depth, crest width, slope, stone size, core permeability and incident wave characteristics on the wave transformation processes. The structure of the breakwaters can be used as coastal protection system by reducing the amount of incoming wave energy. Effect of slope, core permeability, water depth and incident wave characteristics on the stability was also studied. The breakwater model consisted of a core and two armour layers attacked by irregular waves. This paper discusses and compares the test results with the existing design equations. In general, the existing design equations do not seem to predict the wave transmission and reflection accurately for the range of test data. In the range of variable tested, it was observed that the water depth, crest width and wave period have a significant influence on wave transmission process. Further, results show strong influence of the water depth and wave period on the wave reflection process. The structural stability of low crested breakwaters is very much affected by the water depth and wave period.展开更多
The main purpose of broad crested weir used in open channels is to raise and control upstream (U/S) water level. In this study, a new performance was added to this weir, by making a step at downstream (D/S) of weir. T...The main purpose of broad crested weir used in open channels is to raise and control upstream (U/S) water level. In this study, a new performance was added to this weir, by making a step at downstream (D/S) of weir. The energy dissipation, the height of the weir/the upstream water height ratio and Froude number relationships (E% – P/h – Fr) for three range of flume slop S = 0.0, 0.002 and 0.004 were simulated. The experiments were performed in a laboratory horizontal channel of 4.6 m length, 0.3 m width and 0.3 m depth for a wide range of discharge. The D/S step height of the weir was 7.5 cm. FLUENT software was used as numerical model which represent a type of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model in order to simulate flow over weirs. The Volume of Fluid (VOF) method with the Standard k – ε turbulence model was used to estimate the free surface profile and the structured mesh with high concentration near the wall regions. The experimental results of the water surface profile gave a high agreement with the results of the numerical models. The maximum value 28.78 of E% was obtained in single step broad crested weir in the experimental result and 27.35 in numerical result at S = 0.004. Finally, the range of the relative error of the energy dissipation between experimental and numerical results was achieved and the maximum was 6.76 in all runs.展开更多
We conducted the third population survey of western black crested gibbons(Nomascus concolor)in Mt.Wuliang,Yunnan Province,China,from November 2020 to March 2021 following the first and second surveys conducted in 2001...We conducted the third population survey of western black crested gibbons(Nomascus concolor)in Mt.Wuliang,Yunnan Province,China,from November 2020 to March 2021 following the first and second surveys conducted in 2001 and2010,respectively.We recorded 104 gibbon groups during the current survey.展开更多
About 200 kilometers south of Xi’an,capital of southwest China’s Shaanxi Province,along the H anjiang River in the Hanzhong Basin,is Yangxian County.Abundant rainfall brings lush vegetation by early summer,making th...About 200 kilometers south of Xi’an,capital of southwest China’s Shaanxi Province,along the H anjiang River in the Hanzhong Basin,is Yangxian County.Abundant rainfall brings lush vegetation by early summer,making the area attractive to the crested ibis(Nipponia nippon),a medium-sized,white-plumaged wading bird with bright red on its face,legs,and tip of bill.展开更多
The Crested Ibis (Nipponia nippon) is a critical endangered species of the world. At present, a reintroduction program will be conducted to save this species essentially. However, because the Crested Ibise is a sexual...The Crested Ibis (Nipponia nippon) is a critical endangered species of the world. At present, a reintroduction program will be conducted to save this species essentially. However, because the Crested Ibise is a sexual alike bird, it is very difficult to identify the sex from the morphological character. In order to identify the sex easily and select the right individuals for captive breeding and reintroduction, the sex related gene on W chromosome was amplified and the sex of three Crested Ibises were also identified in the present study. The 262bp fragment was also sequenced, and we found that there were 13 different nucleotide sites with 2.25 of transition/transversion based on the comparison with that of the Oriental White Stork. The sequence will also provide a theoretic base for further designing specific primer for sex related gene in the Crested Ibis.展开更多
基金Researchers supporting Project number(RSPD2025R1107),King Saud University,Riyadh,Saudi Arabia.
文摘Autism spectrum disorder(ASD)is a multifaceted neurological developmental condition that manifests in several ways.Nearly all autistic children remain undiagnosed before the age of three.Developmental problems affecting face features are often associated with fundamental brain disorders.The facial evolution of newborns with ASD is quite different from that of typically developing children.Early recognition is very significant to aid families and parents in superstition and denial.Distinguishing facial features from typically developing children is an evident manner to detect children analyzed with ASD.Presently,artificial intelligence(AI)significantly contributes to the emerging computer-aided diagnosis(CAD)of autism and to the evolving interactivemethods that aid in the treatment and reintegration of autistic patients.This study introduces an Ensemble of deep learning models based on the autism spectrum disorder detection in facial images(EDLM-ASDDFI)model.The overarching goal of the EDLM-ASDDFI model is to recognize the difference between facial images of individuals with ASD and normal controls.In the EDLM-ASDDFI method,the primary level of data pre-processing is involved by Gabor filtering(GF).Besides,the EDLM-ASDDFI technique applies the MobileNetV2 model to learn complex features from the pre-processed data.For the ASD detection process,the EDLM-ASDDFI method uses ensemble techniques for classification procedure that encompasses long short-term memory(LSTM),deep belief network(DBN),and hybrid kernel extreme learning machine(HKELM).Finally,the hyperparameter selection of the three deep learning(DL)models can be implemented by the design of the crested porcupine optimizer(CPO)technique.An extensive experiment was conducted to emphasize the improved ASD detection performance of the EDLM-ASDDFI method.The simulation outcomes indicated that the EDLM-ASDDFI technique highlighted betterment over other existing models in terms of numerous performance measures.
基金financially supported by the Chinese State Key Laboratory of Ocean Engineering(Grant No.GKZD010068/084).
文摘In order to forecast the distribution of crest amplitudes and the occurrence of freak waves in a short crested coastal sea,a novel transformed linear simulation method is initially proposed in this paper.A Hermite transformation model expressed as a monotonic cubic polynomial serves as the foundation for the novel simulation technique.The wave crest amplitude exceedance probabilities of two sea states-one with a directional wave spectrum based on the measured wave elevation data at the Yura coast and the other with a typical directional JONSWAP wave spectrum-have been predicted using the novel simulation method that has been proposed.The likelihood that a particular critical wave crest amplitude will be exceeded is directly correlated with the probability that freak waves will occur.It is shown that the novel simulation approach suggested can provide predictions that are more precise than those obtained from the Rayleigh crest amplitude distribution model,the Jahns and Wheeler crest amplitude distribution model,or the conventional linear simulation method.This study also demonstrated that the nonlinear simulation method is less effective than the novel simulation method in terms of efficiency.
基金supported by State Forestry Administration (China) Research and Development Plan(Grant NoSD0639)the Community Comanagement Project of WWF-China
文摘The Crested Ibis(Nipponia Nippon) is endemic to Qinling Mountains of China and was once abundant over vast areas of north-east of Asia habitat.During the 20th century,however,the population declined greatly in numbers.Habitat quality used to be the main threat to this species but recent actions by the government and wildlife protection organizations have brought this under control.With the establishment of Crested Ibis Nature Reserve in China,conflicts between socio-economic development and Crested Ibis conservation have become more acute.How do we deal with the relation between Crested Ibis conservation and community development? In this study,the Crested Ibis Nature Reserve co-management model namely "companies + farmers + Nature Reserve" model is proposed and evaluated with demonstration investigation methods,including continuous six-year fixed-site socio-economic development data of surrounding community,company sales revenue data and monitored data of Crested Ibis Nature Reserve.The results show that farmers' income and conservation awareness increased greatly from 2003 to 2008;company sales revenue has increased by about 20% annually in the recent years;management level has noticeably improved in Nature Reserve,the scope of Crested Ibis habitat has expanded 50 hm2;chemical composition of habitat reduced year after year;and the number of Crested Ibis had been growing annually.At the end,the success of the model is evaluated,and problems in implementation of the model are discussed from the following aspects:management system,co-management concept,economic base of partners,marketing mechanism,technical capacity and so on.
基金Funds for Nature (WWF-) China Programme’s Small Grand for Species for their successive support on our field survey in 2004 (RSPB),from May 2005 to September 2006 (WWF-China),and then from September 2007 to October 2008 (RSPB),respectively
文摘The Chinese Crested Tern (Sterna bernsteini;hereafter regarded as CCT, Plate I) is perhaps the most enigmatic tern bird in the world–though
基金the support and help from the Life Science College of Shaanxi Normal UniversityFinancial support was provided by National Nature Science Foundation of China (31172103)
文摘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.
基金completely supported by the National Nature Science Foundation of China(Nos.31572282 and 31172103)
文摘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.
基金financially supported by the funding of an independent research project from the Chinese State Key Laboratory of Ocean Engineering(Grant No.GKZD010068/084)
文摘In this study we have for the first time proposed a novel transformed linear simulation method for the estimation of wave crest amplitudes distribution and freak wave occurrence in a short crested mixed sea with a bimodal 3D spectrum. For implementing the proposed transformed linear simulation method, a Hermite transformation model expressed in a monotonic cubic polynomial has been constructed so that the first four moments of the original true process match the corresponding moments of the transformed model. The proposed novel simulation method has been applied to forecast the freak wave occurrence in two short crested mixed sea states, one with a directional wave spectrum based on the measured surface elevation data at the coast of Yura, and the other one with a typical directional bimodal Torsethaugen wave spectrum. It is shown in the two cases that the proposed novel simulation method can offer more accurate forecasting results than those obtained from the traditional linear simulation method or by using Rayleigh distribution model. It is also demonstrated in this article that the proposed novel simulation method is more efficient than the nonlinear simulation method.
文摘The stability of single layer armour units on low crested and submerged breakwaters has been investigated in 2D hydraulic model tests. Armour unit movements including settlements, rocking and displacements have been determined. The effect of freeboard, packing density and wave steepness on the armour layer stability on crest, front and rear slope has been investigated. Armour units were mostly displaced in the most upper part of the seaward slope and at the seaward side of the crest. Damage on the crest was progressing towards the rear slope. About 40% to 50% larger armour units are required on the seaward slope and crest of low crested structures （as compared to conventional high crested breakwaters）. About 35% larger armour units are required on the rear slope. Larger armour units are not required on submerged breakwaters if the water depth on the crest exceeds 40% of design wave height.
文摘Three Chinese Crested Terns (Sterna bernsteini) were seen stopping at the Golden Coast of Rizhao (city), southern Shandong Province, China, on 6 September 2011. This is the third record of the bird appearing in northern
文摘The propagation of circularly crested thermoelastic diffusive waves in an infinite homogeneous transversely isotropic plate subjected to stress free, isothermal/insulated and chemical potential conditions is investigated in the framework of different thermo- elastic diffusion theories. The dispersion equations of thermoelastic diffusive Lamb type waves are derived. Some special cases of the dispersion equations are also deduced.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.31572282,31872245)Shaanxi Forestry Bureau。
文摘Reintroduction has become a common conservation management tool to restore endangered species in their historical range.However,many attempts have failed to establish self-sustaining populations in the wild.The success of reintroductions could be improved by varying release strategies.Therefore,it is vital to determine the factors influencing reintroduction outcomes.To better understand the post-release settlement and to optimize the release strategy of the Crested Ibis(Nipponia nippon),we quantified the effects of age,sex,acclimation duration,and the timing of release events on post-release survival and dispersal distance for the released Crested Ibis in Tongchuan City,Shaanxi Province,using a generalized linear mixed effect modeling approach.Our results indicate that 40–56.3%of the released individuals survived the first year following release.Mortality was attributable to flight collisions,starvation,disease,and unknown reasons.The post-release survival probability of ibises showed a negative association with age(estimate=-0.186;95%CI:-0.350 to-0.022;P=0.026),and post-release dispersal distance was affected by the timing of release event(estimate=0.718;95%CI:0.025 to1.253;P=0.042).However,sex and acclimation period duration did not cause detectable differences in postrelease survival probability and dispersal distance.Based on our results,optimal release strategies for establishing a reintroduced population of the Crested Ibis include:(1)release of sub-adults biased and sex ratio balanced initial groups;(2)release during the non-breeding season;and(3)food supplementation immediately after release.
文摘Determining how animals respond to resource availability across spatial and temporal extents is crucial to understand ecological processes underpinning habitat selection.Here,we used a multi-scale approach to study the year-round habitat selection of the Crested Tit(Lophophanes cristatus)in a semi-natural lowland woodland of northern Italy,analysing different habitat features at each scale.We performed Crested Tit censuses at three different spatial scales.At the macrohabitat scale,we used geolocalized observations of individuals to compute Manly's habitat selection index,based on a detailed land-use map of the study area.At the microhabitat scale,the trees features were compared between presence and absence locations.At the foraging habitat scale,individual foraging birds and their specific position on trees were recorded using focal animal sampling.Censuses were performed during both the breeding(March to May)and wintering(December to January)seasons.At the macrohabitat scale,the Crested Tits significantly selected pure and mixed pine forests and avoided woods of alien plant species,farmlands and urban areas.At the microhabitat scale,old pine woods with dense cover were selected,with no significant difference in the features of tree selection between the two phenological phases.At the foraging habitat scale,the species was observed spending more time foraging in the canopies than in the understorey,using mostly the portion of Scots Pine(Pinus sylvestris)canopies closer to the trunk in winter,while during the breeding period,the whole canopy was visited.Overall,breeding and wintering habitats largely overlapped in the Crested Tit.Based on our findings,lowland Crested Tits can be well defined as true habitat specialists:they are strictly related to some specific coniferous woodland features.Noteworthily,compared to other tit species,which normally show generalist habits during winter,the Crested Tit behaves as a habitat specialist also out of the breeding season.Our study stressed the importance of considering multi-scale(both spatial and phenological)habitat selection in birds.
文摘In this work, experiment efforts were devoted to study the effect of the longitudinal slope of channel on the discharge coefficient for ogee spillway and broad crested weir. A comprehensive laboratory study including 17 tests was conducted to estimate the variation of the discharge coefficient due to variation of the longitudinal slope. It was shown that the discharge coefficient is significantly increasing with the increase of the slope by more than 90% or 75% and 80% or 70% for weir and spillway in case of excluding or including the approach velocity head, respectively. Also, CFD （computational fluid dynamics） with a help of Comsol-multyphsics program was used to simulate the problem. The program explained that the linear distribution of the hydraulic pressure changes to a non-linear distribution as the longitudinal slope is considered. Consequently, the values of the discharge coefficient are also affected.
文摘This paper presents the data from two-year experiments concerning with doses of sewage sludge （0, 7, 14 and 21 ton.ha^-1） and inorganic nitrogen doses （0, 50, 100 and 150 kg.ha^-1） from the Municipality of Van, which is located at an altitude of 1,725 m of eastern Anatolia in Turkey. A study was conducted to assess two different N sources on sandy-silty-clay soils grown to crested wheatgrass Agropyron cristatum （L.） Gaertn, grass pasture which had been amended with sewage sludge for two years. Plant tissue and DTPA （diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid） extractable soil nutrient were evaluated; twelve elements were analyzed in the plant tissue and six elements in the soil extract in different soil depths. The research demonstrated that the applications produced increase contents of N, P, Mg, Mn, Zn and Pb in the plant. There was a significant （P 〈 0.01） accumulation of DTPA extractable concentrations of Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn and Pb in the top soil horizon. Also, sewage sludge resulted in 51 folded increase in extractable P in 0-20 cm soil horizon. However, DTPA concentrations of in soil showed that Fe exhibited a significant positive correlation with the concentrations of exchangeable fractions of Mn, Cu, Zn and Pb with the correlation. Positive correlations were also observed between Cu-Mn, Mn-Zn, Mn-Pb, Cu-Zn, Cu-Pb and Zn-Pb concentrations. In the same way, plant uptake of the Mn, Zn and Pb was highly correlated with concentrations of Cu, Zn and Pb in the soil. It was concluded that sewage sludge is a valuable source of nutrient and also provides an opportunity to increase soil organic matter.
文摘Two-dimensional physical models of low crested breakwaters were tested to establish the effect of water depth, crest width, slope, stone size, core permeability and incident wave characteristics on the wave transformation processes. The structure of the breakwaters can be used as coastal protection system by reducing the amount of incoming wave energy. Effect of slope, core permeability, water depth and incident wave characteristics on the stability was also studied. The breakwater model consisted of a core and two armour layers attacked by irregular waves. This paper discusses and compares the test results with the existing design equations. In general, the existing design equations do not seem to predict the wave transmission and reflection accurately for the range of test data. In the range of variable tested, it was observed that the water depth, crest width and wave period have a significant influence on wave transmission process. Further, results show strong influence of the water depth and wave period on the wave reflection process. The structural stability of low crested breakwaters is very much affected by the water depth and wave period.
文摘The main purpose of broad crested weir used in open channels is to raise and control upstream (U/S) water level. In this study, a new performance was added to this weir, by making a step at downstream (D/S) of weir. The energy dissipation, the height of the weir/the upstream water height ratio and Froude number relationships (E% – P/h – Fr) for three range of flume slop S = 0.0, 0.002 and 0.004 were simulated. The experiments were performed in a laboratory horizontal channel of 4.6 m length, 0.3 m width and 0.3 m depth for a wide range of discharge. The D/S step height of the weir was 7.5 cm. FLUENT software was used as numerical model which represent a type of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model in order to simulate flow over weirs. The Volume of Fluid (VOF) method with the Standard k – ε turbulence model was used to estimate the free surface profile and the structured mesh with high concentration near the wall regions. The experimental results of the water surface profile gave a high agreement with the results of the numerical models. The maximum value 28.78 of E% was obtained in single step broad crested weir in the experimental result and 27.35 in numerical result at S = 0.004. Finally, the range of the relative error of the energy dissipation between experimental and numerical results was achieved and the maximum was 6.76 in all runs.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31822049,32000352,32171485,32170520)Forestry Reform and Development Funds of China granted to Wuliangshan National Nature Reserve。
文摘We conducted the third population survey of western black crested gibbons(Nomascus concolor)in Mt.Wuliang,Yunnan Province,China,from November 2020 to March 2021 following the first and second surveys conducted in 2001 and2010,respectively.We recorded 104 gibbon groups during the current survey.
文摘About 200 kilometers south of Xi’an,capital of southwest China’s Shaanxi Province,along the H anjiang River in the Hanzhong Basin,is Yangxian County.Abundant rainfall brings lush vegetation by early summer,making the area attractive to the crested ibis(Nipponia nippon),a medium-sized,white-plumaged wading bird with bright red on its face,legs,and tip of bill.
基金the National Natural ScienceFoundation of China (Grant No. 39870098), the Science and Technology Innovation Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) (Grant No. KSCX2-1-03) and the Young Scientist Group of the CAS.
文摘The Crested Ibis (Nipponia nippon) is a critical endangered species of the world. At present, a reintroduction program will be conducted to save this species essentially. However, because the Crested Ibise is a sexual alike bird, it is very difficult to identify the sex from the morphological character. In order to identify the sex easily and select the right individuals for captive breeding and reintroduction, the sex related gene on W chromosome was amplified and the sex of three Crested Ibises were also identified in the present study. The 262bp fragment was also sequenced, and we found that there were 13 different nucleotide sites with 2.25 of transition/transversion based on the comparison with that of the Oriental White Stork. The sequence will also provide a theoretic base for further designing specific primer for sex related gene in the Crested Ibis.
