Current Distribution Patterns Research Articles

Evolutionary factors and habitat filtering affect the pattern of Gerbillinae diversity

Abstract How ecological and evolutionary factors affect small mammal diversity in arid regions remains largely unknown. Here, we combined the largest phylogeny and occurrence dataset of Gerbillinae desert rodents to explore the underlying factors shaping present-day distribution patterns. In particular, we analyzed the relative contributions of ecological and evolutionary factors on their species diversity using a variety of models. Additionally, we inferred the ancestral range and possible dispersal scenarios and estimated the diversification rate of Gerbilliane. We found that Gerbillinae likely originated in the Horn of Africa in the Middle Miocene and then dispersed and diversified across arid regions in northern and southern Africa and western and central Asia, forming their current distribution pattern. Multiple ecological and evolutionary factors jointly determine the spatial pattern of Gerbillinae diversity, but evolutionary factors (evolutionary time and speciation rate) and habitat filtering were the most important in explaining the spatial variation in species richness. Our study enhances the understanding of the diversity patterns of small mammals in arid regions and highlights the importance of including evolutionary factors when interpreting the mechanisms underlying large-scale species diversity patterns.

Phylogenetics, character evolution, and historical biogeography of the Neotropical genus Besleria (Gesneriaceae)

Abstract Besleria, a genus of perennial herbs, shrubs, or small trees growing in the understorey of rainforests, is one of the largest genera of neotropical Gesneriaceae, with over 165 species. Despite the ecological importance and ubiquity of Besleria in rainforest ecosystems, taxonomic and evolutionary studies of Besleria are limited. Here, we generated a phylogenetic analysis of Besleria using four nuclear and chloroplast DNA regions (ITS, matK, rps16, and trnL-trnF) covering more than 50% of the recognized species, along with two secondary calibration points to infer divergence times. Our results support the monophyly of Besleria and allowed us to revise the infrageneric classification and biogeographical history of the genus. We identified five major clades that do not correspond to sections or subsections in previous classifications. These clades are well circumscribed geographically but remain difficult to characterize using previously hypothesized morphological characters. Biogeographical reconstructions indicate an origin in the northern Andes during the Middle Miocene (ca. 15 Mya). The current distribution patterns of this plant group have been significantly shaped by geological and climatic events, particularly Andean uplift and the formation of the Panama Isthmus.

Taxonomy, distribution, and conservation status of a rare arboreal lizard, Bronchocela celebensis Gray, 1845 (Reptilia: Agamidae) endemic to Sulawesi, Indonesia.

Bronchocela celebensis Gray, 1845 is one of the rarest species of the genus, known only from less than 20 museum specimens collected from northern Sulawesi. It is often confused with its similar congener, B. cristatella, which occurs widely throughout the Indonesian Archipelago and Peninsular Malaysia, except on the Sulawesi mainland. Here, we examine the morphology of B. celebensis based on 46 museum specimens including freshly collected individuals, and redescribe the species based on the holotype (by monotypy). We studied the characters of B. celebensis with morphometric comparison to its allopatric congener B. cristatella from the adjacent islands of southern Sulawesi in Indonesia. Based on the current distribution pattern and the apparent threats, we update the conservation status of B. celebensis using the IUCN Red List Criteria and propose that it be considered as a Vulnerable (VU) species endemic to Sulawesi.

A Multiband and Multifunctional Metasurface for Linear and Circular Polarization Conversion in Reflection Modes

Multifunctional integrated meta-devices are the demand of modern communication systems and are given a lot of attention nowadays. Most of the research has focused on either cross-polarization conversion (CPC) or linear-to-circular (LP–CP) conversion. However, simultaneously realizing multiple bands with good conversion efficiency remains crucial. This paper proposes a multiband and multifunctional dual reflective polarization converter surface capable of converting a linearly polarized (LP) wave into a circularly polarized (CP) wave, in frequency bands of 12.29–12.63 GHz, 16.08–24.16 GHz, 27.82–32.21 GHz, 33.75–38.74 GHz, and 39.70–39.79 GHz, with 3 dB axial ratio bandwidths of 2.7%, 40.15%, 14.6%, 13.76%, and 0.2%, respectively. Moreover, the converter is capable of achieving CPC with a polarization conversion ratio (PCR) that exceeds 95%, within the frequency ranges of 13.10–14.72 GHz, 25.43–26.00, 32.46–32.56 GHz, and 39.14–39.59 GHz. In addition, to identify the fundamental cause of the CPC and LP–CP conversion, a comprehensive theoretical investigation is provided. Furthermore, the surface current distribution patterns at different frequencies are investigated to analyze the conversion phenomena. A sample prototype consisting of 20 × 20 unit cells was fabricated and measured, verifying our design and the simulated results. The proposed structure has potential applications in satellite communications, radar, stealth technologies, and reflector antennas.

Population genomic analysis reveals genetic divergence and adaptation in Brachymystax lenok.

Studying how populations in various environments differ genetically is crucial for gaining insights into the evolution of biodiversity. In order to pinpoint potential indicators of divergence and adaptation to diverse environments, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of 3,491,868 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) derived from five populations of Brachymystax lenok. We discovered significant geographic divergence among these 5 populations, which lack evidence of gene flow among them. Our results further demonstrated that the current distribution pattern of Brachymystax lenok are driven by geographical isolation and changes in oceans and rivers. We also performed genome-wide scan and identified the genes evolved to adapt the different environments, including stress response. In general, these results provide genomic support for high-level genetic divergence and the genetic basis of adaptation to different environments.

The role of ecological niche conservatism in the evolution of bird distributional patterns in Mesoamerican seasonally dry forests

AbstractAimDue to its complex biogeographical and ecological history, the seasonally dry forests (SDF) of Mesoamerica are considered a biodiversity hotspot. SDF are currently distributed in relatively large and continuous, but isolated areas, in which there are both high total and endemic species numbers. Among birds, few species are shared across SDF patches; other species are endemic to one of these; and for two species currently endemic to one patch, fossils have been recovered in a different one, suggesting a former widespread distribution in so species, implying that current distributional patterns are probably recent.LocationMesoamerican seasonally dry forests.MethodsWe assessed the role of niche divergence/conservatism in the evolution of bird distributional patterns. Using an ecological niche modelling approach, we estimated palaeodistributions for two species currently endemic to the SDF of Yucatan Peninsula (YP), two to the Mesoamerican Pacific Slope (MPS) with fossil record in the YP and two more showing an allopatric pattern. For comparison, we simulated virtual species (VS) matching each pattern, assuming they represent the expected distribution of species in each SDF patch. To test hypothesis of niche conservatism, we assessed the niche equivalence/similarity between the patches represented by the VS, and in each bird species and its VS distributional counterpart.ResultsOur results showed three patterns: (i) no past geographical connectiveness among suitable areas; (ii) niche conservatism, but not equivalence, despite low niche overlap and geographical distance; and (iii) potential niche divergence.Main ConclusionsFor birds currently endemic to the MPS, our results suggest that the absence from the YP may be attributed to the loss of their environmental niche. Widespread species showed either niche conservatism or divergence. YP endemics showed niche divergence. Our results underline the role of niche divergence/conservatism in the evolution of distributional patterns in Mesoamerican SDF avifauna.

Numerical Simulation of Hydrogen–Coal Blending Combustion in a 660 MW Tangential Boiler

With the adjustment of energy structure, the utilization of hydrogen energy has been widely attended. China’s carbon neutrality targets make it urgent to change traditional coal-fired power generation. The paper investigates the combustion of pulverized coal blended with hydrogen to reduce carbon emissions. In terms of calorific value, the pulverized coal combustion with hydrogen at 1%, 5%, and 10% blending ratios is investigated. The results show that there is a significant reduction in CO2 concentration after hydrogen blending. The CO2 concentration (mole fraction) decreased from 15.6% to 13.6% for the 10% hydrogen blending condition compared to the non-hydrogen blending condition. The rapid combustion of hydrogen produces large amounts of heat in a short period, which helps the ignition of pulverized coal. However, as the proportion of hydrogen blending increases, the production of large amounts of H2O gives an overall lower temperature. On the other hand, the temperature distribution is more uniform. The concentrations of O2 and CO in the upper part of the furnace increased. The current air distribution pattern cannot satisfy the adequate combustion of the fuel after hydrogen blending.

Modeling investigation of wave-induced longshore current distribution patterns on barred beaches

A three-dimensional coupled wave-current model was employed to investigate the wave-induced longshore currents on barred beaches. The modeling system was developed by coupling the finite-volume community ocean model (FVCOM) and the simulating waves nearshore (SWAN) model to fully describe wave-current interactions in the nearshore region. The three-dimensional radiation stress, surface rollers and wave-enhanced turbulent mixing were incorporated as the major wave effects on currents. The model was first evaluated against data collected from multiple sets of laboratory experiments. Diagnostic simulations demonstrated that the contributions of the wave rollers and wave-induced mixing, in addition to the radiation stress, were important for ensuring accurate calculations. Then, the longshore current patterns on barred beaches were investigated through simulations of a series of test cases under controlled conditions. The cross-shore distribution of wave-induced longshore currents, which predominantly occurred within the barred beach surf zone, usually exhibited bimodal characteristics. The maximum peak longshore current velocity was positively correlated with the incident wave height and period. As the bar height and width increased, the first velocity peak of the longshore current strengthened, while the second peak weakened. In most cases, the maximum longshore current velocity on a barred beach coincided with the first peak, which could occur anywhere from the bar-trough region to the bar-crest region, depending on the wave and bar heights. This finding could be used to clarify the cross-shore location discrepancies in the maximum peak longshore current velocity reported in previously published studies.

Population structure and adaptability analysis of Schizothorax o’connori based on whole-genome resequencing

BackgroundSchizothorax o’connori is an endemic fish distributed in the upper and lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River in China. It has experienced a fourth round of whole gene replication events and is a good model for exploring the genetic differentiation and environmental adaptability of fish in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The uplift of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau has led to changes in the river system, thereby affecting gene exchange and population differentiation between fish populations. With the release of fish whole genome data, whole genome resequencing has been widely used in genetic evolutionary analysis and screening of selected genes in fish, which can better elucidate the genetic basis and molecular environmental adaptation mechanisms of fish. Therefore, our purpose of this study was to understand the population structure and adaptive characteristics of S. o’connori using the whole-genome resequencing method.ResultsThe results showed that 23,602,746 SNPs were identified from seven populations, mostly distributed on chromosomes 2 and 23. There was no significant genetic differentiation between the populations, and the genetic diversity was relatively low. However, the Zangga population could be separated from the Bomi, Linzhi, and Milin populations in the cluster analysis. Based on historical dynamics analysis of the population, the size of the ancestral population of S. o’connori was affected by the late accelerated uplift of the Qinghai Tibet Plateau and the Fourth Glacial Age. The selected sites were mostly enriched in pathways related to DNA repair and energy metabolism.ConclusionOverall, the whole-genome resequencing analysis provides valuable insights into the population structure and adaptive characteristics of S. o’connori. There was no obvious genetic differentiation at the genome level between the S. o’connori populations upstream and downstream of the Yarlung Zangbo River. The current distribution pattern and genetic diversity are influenced by the late accelerated uplift of the Qinghai Tibet Plateau and the Fourth Ice Age. The selected sites of S. o’connori are enriched in the energy metabolism and DNA repair pathways to adapt to the low temperature and strong ultraviolet radiation environment at high altitude.

WITHDRAWN: Rice Pests and Diseases Around the World: Who, Where and What Damage Do They Cause?

Rice stands as one of the most important staple crops for nearly half of the world’s population. Its productivity is pivotal in ensuring global food security, yet pests and diseases are one of the most important constraints. Despite its paramount significance, a comprehensive overview of the primary pests and diseases affecting rice worldwide has not been previously undertaken. This systematic review, following PRISMA guidelines and drawing upon three online databases (PubMed, WOS, and CAB Abstract), enabled the identification of distribution patterns of these pests and diseases across the globe. From an initial pool of 13.983 articles, exclusion criteria were applied, resulting in 838 final articles. Given that rice cultivation primarily occurs in Asia and Africa, it's unsurprising that the majority of documented pests and diseases are found on these continents. In Africa, the genera Diopsis, Maliarpha and Chilo are the most important pests affecting rice productivity, while in Asia the most important are Nilaparvata, Scirpophaga, Sogatella, Chilo, Cnaphalocrocis, Sesamia, and Nephotettix genera, demonstrating different pests under a continent overview. Regarding diseases, in Africa, the fungi Pyricularia, the bacteria Xanthomonas and the virus Sobemovirus are the most significant. In Asia, the fungal genera Fusarium, Pyricularia, Rhizoctonia, Bipolaris, Curvularia, Ustilaginoidea, Alternaria, and Sarocladium, and bacteria Xanthomonas, Pantoea, Pseudomonas, and Burkholderia are the most frequently reported. These findings reveal distinct geographic patterns in the distribution of rice pests and diseases, implying the development of specific regional management guidelines. In terms of yield loss, the most severe fungi are Pyricularia and Bipolaris, responsible for blast and brown spot diseases, respectively. Both occur in Africa and Asia and affect different parts of the plant, with Bipolaris being more evident on the leaves. A big concern restricted to Africa is the Sobemovirus (causing rice yellow mottle virus), which can lead to yield losses of up to 100%, primarily affecting the leaves. This study significantly contributes to identifying global rice pests and diseases, assessing their current distribution patterns and evaluating their effects on future rice productivity. Furthermore, it highlights the overlooked reporting of studies in Africa, despite the region’s significance in rice cultivation and production.

The potential range and future distribution of the endangered lizard Darevskia clarkorum in the Caucasus Biodiversity Hotspot under climate change scenarios

The Clarks’ Lizard, Darevskia clarkorum is endemic to the Caucasian biodiversity hotspot, remarkable in terms of biogeography and evolutionary history in the Palearctic Realm. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the current distribution pattern of this species as well as its possible changes under various future climate scenarios. Fieldwork was conducted in Northeastern Anatolia and the Caucasus between 2019 and 2022, and 64 occurrence records and five bioclimatic variables were analysed using Ecological Niche Modeling (ENM) software. The annual temperature range is the most important variable influencing the distribution of this lizard species. The results showed that potential habitats for the Clarks’ Lizard are wider than its present distribution. It is predicted that under current climate change scenarios, this species’ range will be much more restricted than it is now. With rising greenhouse gas levels and solar radiation rates, the range of this species is expected to shift from northern Anatolia to the Caucasus mountainous areas, and would likely shrink in future. The remaining habitats of this lizard species may be significantly impacted by climate change and human-induced habitat modification.

Global distribution patterns and geographic range of Cymothoa Fabricius, 1793 (Isopoda: Cymothoidae) associated with host fish.

Over recent years, fish parasites of the genus Cymothoa Fabricius, 1793, have received increased attention due to both their ecological and their economic importance to aquaculture and fishery. As the studies about Cymothoa have increased this improve our understanding on the host specificity and distribution of these parasites. The aim of this paper was to review the current global geographic distribution, distribution patterns and parasite-host interactions patterns of Cymothoa spp. associated with fish from marine and brackish water bodies around the world. A total of 144 samples were analyzed, from which 23 species of Cymothoa were found parasitizing 84 teleost fish species of 35 families and 20 orders. Most of these parasites were found in the mouth of the host fish, including in wild fish. The highest occurrence of parasites was found in host species belonging to the families Carangidae and Lutjanidae. Host specificity was an important factor in the geographic distribution of Cymothoa species as also environmental temperature. Cymothoa indica, Cymothoa exigua and Cymothoa excisa were the species with lowest specificity for host family and widest geographic distribution.

Fracturing parameter optimization technology for highly deviated wells in complex lithologic reservoirs

Highly-deviated wells are the key technology to reduce the risk of drilling accidents and improve the utilization of reservoirs. However, for reservoirs with complex lithology, highly-deviated wells are faced with the problems of geomechanical transformation and fracturing parameter optimization. The research on fracturing parameter optimization technology of high-deviated wells in complex lithologic reservoirs is helpful to the research and application of geomechanics in deep unconventional reservoirs. This paper is based on geological mechanics laboratory experiments and logging interpretation, combined with regional geological background, to clarify the geological and mechanical characteristics of the Fengcheng Formation shale oil region in the Mabei Slope. On this basis, based on the current geostress field and natural fracture distribution pattern of the Mabei Slope, an integrated model of shale oil geological engineering in local well areas was established. Based on the finite element method, optimization design was carried out for the cluster spacing, construction fluid volume, displacement, and sand volume of highly deviated well fracturing, and three-dimensional simulation of fracturing fractures was completed. The research results indicate that: (1) The current dominant direction of the maximum principal stress in the Fengcheng Formation on the Mabei Slope is from northeast to southwest, with the maximum horizontal principal stress generally ranging from 90 to 120 MPa and the minimum horizontal principal stress generally ranging from 70 to 110 MPa. (2) The difference in stress between the two horizontal directions is relatively large, generally greater than 8 MPa. Two sets of natural fractures have developed in the research area, one with a northwest southeast trend and the other with a northeast southwest trend. The natural fracture density of the Fengcheng Formation shale reservoir in the Mabei Slope is 0.32–1.12/m, with an average of 0.58/m, indicating a moderate to high degree of fracture development. (3) The geological model and three-dimensional geo-mechanical model are established according to the actual drilling geological data, and different schemes are designed to carry out single parameter optimization. The optimization results show that the optimal cluster spacing of the subdividing cutting volume pressure of the highly deviated wells in the Fengcheng Formation of the Mabei Slope is 12 m, the optimal construction fluid volume is 1400–1600 m3/section, the optimal construction displacement is 8 m3/min, and the optimal sanding strength is 2.5 m3/m. At the same time, by comparing the fracturing implementation effect with the fracturing scheme design, it is proven that the artificial parameter optimization method for highly deviated wells based on the finite element method based on the regional stress background and the natural fracture development law proposed in this paper is feasible and can provide a scientific basis for the fracturing development of highly deviated wells in complex lithologic reservoirs. This research has been well applied in Mahu area of Xinjiang oilfield.

Predicting current and future distribution pattern of Berberis lycium Royle concerning climate change using an ensemble modelling approach

ABSTRACT To evaluate the potential impact of climatic variabilities on the habitat ranges of species in the context of changing climatic conditions, species distribution modelling is considered a significant approach. The objective of the present study is to explore the potential distribution of Berberis lycium Royle under current and future climatic scenarios using the BIOMOD (Biodiversity Modelling) ensemble model. The results indicate that bio-1, i.e., Annual Mean Temperature plays a substantial role in regulating the distribution of this medicinally important species. In the present study, two strategies were used to combine predictions from individual model into an ensemble (committee average and weighted mean), which gave contradicting results of the final ensemble models. In terms of committee average, the species is anticipated to lose its suitable habitats with respect to climate change but in terms of weighted mean, it is shown to gain its suitable habitats in future climatic scenarios. Thus, the present study recommends application of multiple strategies for preparing the final ensemble model to predict all possible outcomes. Additionally, in case of habitat loss coupled with other anthropogenic pressures, the survival of the target species may become difficult. Therefore, there is an urgent need to formulate policies and strategies for the conservation and management of this valuable plant species.

More losses than gains? Distribution models predict species-specific shifts in climatic suitability for European beech forest herbs under climate change

IntroductionHerbaceous plant species constitute an essential element of the flora of European beech (Fagus sylvatica) forests. There is increasing evidence that rapidly changing climate is likely to modify the spatial distribution of plant species. However, we lack understanding of the impact that climate change might have on beech forest herbs across the European continent. We investigated the possible effects of predicted increasing rates of global warming and altered precipitation regimes on 71 forest herbs closely associated with beech forests, but with varying biogeographic and climatic niche attributes.MethodsBy using a total of 394,502 occurrence records and an ensemble of species distribution models (SDMs), we quantified the potential current distribution and future (2061-2080) range shifts in climatic suitability (expressed as occurrence probability, OP) according to two climate change scenarios (moderate SSP2-4.5 and severe SSP5-8.5).ResultsOverall, precipitation of the warmest quarter and temperature seasonality were the most influential predictors in shaping current distribution patterns. For SSP5-8.5 scenario, all studied species experienced significant reductions (52.9% on average) in the total size of highly suitable areas (OP >0.75). However, the magnitude and directions of changes in the climatic suitability were highly species-specific; few species might even increase OP in the future, particularly in case of SSP2-4.5 scenario. The SDMs revealed the most substantial decline of climatic suitability at the trailing edges in southern Europe. We found that climatic suitability is predicted to show unidirectional northward shift and to move toward higher elevations. The gain/loss ratio was generally higher for narrow-ranged species compared to widespread taxa.DiscussionOur findings are contextualized with regards to potential confounding factors (dispersal limitation, microclimatic buffering) that may mitigate or accelerate climate change impacts. Given the low long-distance migration ability, many beech forest herbs are unlikely to track the velocity with which macroclimatic isotherms are moving toward higher latitudes, making this species group particularly vulnerable to climate change.

Divergent community trajectories with climate change across a fine‐scale gradient in snow depth

Abstract Fine‐scale microclimate variation due to complex topography can shape both current vegetation distributional patterns and how vegetation responds to changing climate. Topographic heterogeneity in mountains is hypothesized to mediate responses to regional climate change at the scale of metres. For alpine vegetation especially, the interplay between changing temperatures and topographically mediated variation in snow accumulation will determine the overall impact of climate change on vegetation dynamics. We combined 30 years of co‐located measurements of temperature, snow and alpine plant community composition in Colorado, USA, to investigate vegetation community trajectories across a snow depth gradient. Our analysis of long‐term trends in plant community composition revealed notable directional change in the alpine vegetation with warming temperatures. Furthermore, community trajectories are divergent across the snow depth gradient, with exposed parts of the landscape that experience little snow accumulation shifting towards stress‐tolerant, cold‐ and drought‐adapted communities, while snowier areas shifted towards more warm‐adapted communities. Synthesis: Our findings demonstrate that fine‐scale topography can mediate both the magnitude and direction of vegetation responses to climate change. We documented notable shifts in plant community composition over a 30‐year period even though alpine vegetation is known for slow dynamics that often lag behind environmental change. These results suggest that the processes driving alpine plant population and community dynamics at this site are strong and highly heterogeneous across the complex topography that is characteristic of high‐elevation mountain systems.

Domestication of the Amazonian fruit tree cupuaçu may have stretched over the past 8000 years

Amazonia, one of the largest and most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth, is a significant yet less-known arena for ancient plant domestication. Here, we traced the origins of cupuaçu (Theobroma grandiflorum), an Amazonian tree crop closely related to cacao (T. cacao), cherished for its flavorful seed-pulp, by employing an extensive genomic analysis based on data from four sites in Brazil. Our results indicate that cupuaçu is a domesticated variant of its wild relative, cupuí (T. subincanum), probably originating from the Middle-Upper Rio Negro basin. A first phase of domestication is observed through a genetic bottleneck that we estimated to have occurred 5000–8000 years before the present. Moreover, we found further reductions in genetic diversity that we estimated to have occurred during the modern era. This is consistent with a second phase of domestication that was accompanied by an increase in the geographic distribution of cupuaçu over the last two centuries. Unraveling cupuaçu’s origins adds it to the roster of plants domesticated by Amazonian indigenous people in the early to mid-Holocene. Our results suggest that Amazonia’s current patterns of genetic diversity and distribution of domesticated plants were influenced by both pre-Columbian and modern histories.

Investigation of spatial association network features of construction waste in major Chinese urban agglomeration.

The illegal dumping of construction waste (CW) poses an increasingly serious environmental pollution problem with the accelerated rate of urbanization. As CW disposal capacity struggles to match municipal needs, some CW is being diverted to higher resource endowment cities rather than recycled. To address this situation, it is necessary to obtain reliable information on the characteristics and evolution of CW generation networks in China. This study combines a modified gravity model with Social Network Analysis (SNA) to analyze the spatial association networks of CW generation in four Chinese urban agglomerations between 2000 and 2020. Results reveal the evolution characteristics of the CW generation network, including increasing density and correlation and decreasing network efficiency. Furthermore, the Quality Assurance Procedure (QAP) indicates that urbanization level and population size are positively correlated with CW generations, whereas distance plays a negative role, but resources are insignificant for network formation. The findings provide insight into current patterns of waste distribution and a theoretical basis for government policy formulation in the future.

Predicting the geographical distribution of the Persian leopard, Panthera pardus tulliana, a rare and endangered species

The endangered Persian Leopard, Panthera pardus tulliana, is a top predator and keystone species whose small, fragmented population is still distributed across the Zagros Mountain regions of northeastern Iraq. Their population is under threat from habitat loss and fragmentation, illegal hunting, prey depletion, minefields, and conflicts with humans. Conservation efforts require accurate information on the current and future distribution patterns of this species. Therefore, this study aimed at establishing new baseline data based on the maximum entropy model (Maxent) combined with GIS techniques, field surveys (i.e., camera traps, kill reports, carcasses), and relevant environmental variables obtained from multiple sources. Modeling demonstrated that the current suitable habitat distribution of the species comprises 12.4 % (6318 km2) of the total area of the study area (50971 km2). Of these suitable areas, 0.8 % (431 km2) were categorized as high suitable, 3.8 % (1935 km2) as medium suitable, and 7.8 % (3953 km2) as low suitable. Overall, as demonstrated by modeling under the preselected environmental predictors, the suitable habitat distribution of the Persian Leopard would contract by 1.3 % (666 km2) and 1.7 % (843 km2) in 2070 under the RCP2.6 and RCP8.5 climate change scenarios, respectively. There would be a latitudinal shift, and the distance between the current and future centroids would be around 43.492 km. This spatial shift would be mostly towards the Zagros Mountains in the northeast of Iraq, alongside the Iran-Iraq border. The most important variables that contributed significantly to the distribution of the species across the study area included slope (47.3 %), temperature seasonality (bio4) (27.9 %), land cover (7.7 %), human population density (4.2 %), soil pH (2.7 %), temperature (Bio2) (2.7 %), and NDVI (1.8 %). These results could have great implications for establishing strategic protected areas not only for the target species of this study but for a wide range of plant communities and prey species (e.g., goats, wild boar) across the mountain ecosystem.

Multiscale Imaging Techniques for Real‐Time, Noninvasive Diagnosis of Li‐Ion Battery Failures

With the increasing popularity of battery‐powered mobility, ensuring the safety and reliability of Li‐ion batteries (LIBs) has become critical for manufacturers. Despite advanced manufacturing processes for large‐scale Li‐ion cells, “latent defects” still unintentionally appear, due to imbalanced battery design, invisible faults, and extreme operating conditions. These defects cause performance degradation and can even lead to battery fires. Hence, early detection of latent defects, along with understanding the influence of cell parameters and operating conditions on battery failure scenarios, is crucial. For straightforward investigations and interpretations, noninvasive and in operando battery imaging techniques and methods have been proposed using X‐rays, neutrons, and ultrasound, as these can penetrate active and component materials and cell packaging. Moreover, magnetic‐field‐guided visualization of the current distribution pattern in cells under a current load has been proposed to identify invisible defects. This review thoroughly examines various imaging techniques for internal batteries, from the atomic and molecular levels in electrode materials and interfaces to macroscale battery systems. By assessing qualitative case studies and newly discovered phenomena, this review provides valuable insights into state‐of‐the‐art noninvasive battery imaging and its potential to improve the safety and reliability of LIB technology.