Geographical Distribution Research Articles

Exploring the distribution and habitat preferences of Polytrichaceae (Bryophyta) in Tibet, China

The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau stands as one of the most ecologically fragile and biodiversity-rich regions globally. Understanding the distribution of different taxa and their relationship with environmental factors is crucial for effective conservation and sustainable management. Polytrichaceae, a significant bryophyte family widely distributed in Tibet, displays distinct structural, morphological, and phylogenetic traits compared to other mosses. Despite its importance, the distribution of Polytrichaceae in Tibet and its correlation with environmental factors have yet to be explored. In this study, we used an optimized Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) model to explore the potential suitable habitats of Polytrichaceae in Tibet, aiming to clarify their geographic distribution pattern as well as the key environmental influence factors. The model had high accuracy with an average Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.933 and True Skill Statistics (TSS) value of 0.789. The results showed that the potential suitability habitats of Polytrichaceae were mainly located in southeastern Tibet, and the low suitable, moderately suitable, and highly suitable habitats accounted for 12.53 %, 6.84 %, and 3.31 % of the total area of Tibet respectively. Unsuitable habitats were mainly located in northwestern Tibet, accounting for about 77.32 %. In Tibet, temperature factors (Mean Temperature of Coldest Quarter (Bio11) and Annual Mean Temperature (Bio1)) played a pivotal role in determining the potential suitable habitats for Polytrichaceae, and elevation, precipitation, and vegetation coverage also had an important influence. The family preferred warm, moist and densely vegetated habitats in Tibet. This study enriched our ecological understanding of bryophyte ecology in this region and provided data-driven support for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management in Tibet.

Enhanced Sporadic E Layer and Its Perturbations During the 2022 Hunga Volcanic Eruption

AbstractSporadic E (Es) layers are plasma irregularities significantly affecting radio communication and navigation systems. And, their dominant formation mechanism at mid‐latitudes, known as the wind shear theory, suggests that they serve as indicators of the atmosphere‐ionosphere coupling processes in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere region. On 15 January 2022, the Hunga Tonga‐Hunga Ha'api submarine volcanic eruption provided a unique opportunity to investigate the Es layer responses to lower atmospheric perturbations. Using the FORMOSAT‐7/COSMIC‐2 radio occultation and ground‐based ionosonde observations, this study reveals the spatial‐temporal behaviors of the Es layers after the Hunga volcanic eruption. The results show that significant Es layer perturbations occurred over the northwest of the epicenter ∼4 hr after the eruption and lasted for approximately ∼22 hr. We also calculated the geographical distribution of the vertical ion convergence (VIC) using neutral winds obtained from the Michelson Interferometer for Global High‐resolution Thermospheric Imaging on the Ionospheric Connection Explorer (ICON) satellite. A comparison of the geographical distribution of positive VIC and Es layer perturbations shows a good agreement, which indicates that the enhanced Es layers are caused by strong VIC associated with the atmospheric perturbations due to the eruption. This study presents observational evidence for coupling between the Es layer and lower atmospheric perturbations, which can be helpful for understanding the occasionality and variability of Es layer occurrence.

Differences in the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance among non-typhoidal Salmonella serovars isolated from retail chicken meat across the United States of America, 2013–2020

The emergence of antimicrobial-resistant non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) in retail chicken meat poses a food safety risk. Data on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in NTS isolates collected by the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System for Enteric Bacteria (NARMS) from retail chicken meat across the United States of America between 2013 and 2020 were analyzed. A total of 3,067 samples tested positive for NTS. The most common NTS serovars were S. Kentucky (n = 1,088), S. Infantis (n = 587), S. Enteritidis (n = 475), and S. Typhimurium (n = 424), respectively. A significant increasing trend in the proportion of S. Infantis and a decreasing trend for S. Typhimurium has been observed. High-proportion clusters were detected in the northeast and southeast of the United States of America for S. Typhimurium and in the west coast and southeast for S. Kentucky. Multidrug resistance (resistance to at least three antimicrobial classes) was common in S. Infantis and S. Typhimurium isolates, while S. Enteritidis isolates were mainly pan-susceptible. The predicted probability of resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics (ampicillin and ceftriaxone), sulfonamides (sulfisoxazole), and quinolones (nalidixic acid) were highest in S. Infantis isolates, while S. Kentucky isolates showed the highest probability of resistance to aminoglycosides (streptomycin) and tetracyclines. Differences in the geographical distribution of NTS serovars and variations in their AMR patterns warrant serovar-specific antimicrobial stewardship programs.

Biogeographic dynamics of graptolites during the Late Ordovician Mass Extinction in South China

Studying the temporal and spatial distributions and dynamics of fossils is crucial for understanding macroevolution processes in geological history. Biodiversity data provide an overview of faunal changes during extinction events, but it cannot differentiate the impact of extinction events on different species. Biogeographic study complements these data by offering more detailed insights into evolutionary patterns. A dataset of 704 graptolite occurrence records for the Late Ordovician Mass Extinction (LOME) was compiled from 60 localities in South China. The geographic distributions of 26 species across four graptolite biochrons (from late Katian to Hirnantian) were quantitatively reconstructed using ArcGIS. Two types of geographic range indexes, including convex hull areas and maximum distribution distances, were calculated for each species in each time slice. Based on the variations in the geographic ranges, the graptolites can be divided into three types. The geographic ranges of the first type shrank before the extinction, that of the second type expanded before the extinction but shrank during the extinction, and that of the third type expanded during the extinction. The first two types include Diplograptina species; and the third of Neograptina species. The study revealed that the extinction event affected all diplograptid graptolite species, as evidenced by the rate of decrease in geographic ranges. Interestingly, the impact of the major extinction appeared to be uniform across all graptolite species, irrespective of their initial geographic range size. The distribution centers of the graptolite species remained relatively stable and predominantly surrounded the center of the sea during the LOME. The substantial reduction in the geographic ranges of diplograptid species might be due to the global factors rather than local sea level decline.

Population Genomics analysis of Leptosphaeria biglobosa Associated with Brassica napus in China Reveals That Geographical Distribution Influences Its Genetic Polymorphism.

Blackleg disease, a major threat to Brassica crops worldwide, is primarily caused by the pathogen Leptosphaeria biglobosa. Investigating the genetic variation of L. biglobosa is crucial for managing and preventing the disease in Brassica napus. To date, there is scarce genomic variation information available for populations of L. biglobosa in China. In this study, 73 L. biglobosa strains of canola stalks were collected from 12 provinces in China and subjected to re-sequencing. The 73 assemblies averaged 1340 contigs, 72,123 bp N50, and 30.17 Mb in size. In total, 9409 core orthogroups and 867 accessory orthogroups were identified. A total of 727,724 mutation loci were identified, including 695,230 SNPs and 32,494 indels. Principal component analysis (PCA) and population structure analysis showed that these strains could be divided into seven subgroups. The strains in most provinces were clustered into a single subgroup, suggesting a strong influence of the geographic environment on strain variation. The average nucleotide diversity (θπ) of all strains was 1.03 × 10-3, indicating important genetic diversity among strains from different regions of China. This study provides valuable resources for future comparative genomics, gives new insights into the population evolution of L. biglobosa, and supports the development of strategies for managing blackleg disease in canola.

Historical Investigation of Ming loyalist(明遺民) on the Korean Peninsula : Migration Process, Geographical Distribution, and Historical Influence

Historical Investigation of Ming loyalist(明遺民) on the Korean Peninsula : Migration Process, Geographical Distribution, and Historical Influence

Incidence of animal bite and risk for rabies in Kaduna State, Nigeria – public health implication

This study focused on the incidence of animal bite (n=50) reported in Kaduna State, Nigeria, between January and April 2024, focusing on factors such as the type of biting animal, sex of the victims, geographical distribution, temporal trends, and the nature of the bites. The data were sourced from weekly reports submitted by Area Veterinary Officers to the Department of Veterinary and Livestock Services and were supplemented with rabies test results from the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom, Plateau State. Results revealed that dogs were responsible for 96% of the biting incidents, while cats accounted for 4%. Male victims were more frequently bitten, and the highest incidence was reported in Kaduna Central (Zone 2) with 44% and Zaria being the lowest (12%). Most incidents occurred in February (38%) and March (34%). Provoked bites constituted 52% of the cases, and 86% of the dogs involved were not vaccinated against rabies. Rabies test results showed that 94% were negative, while 6% tested positive, all of which were reported in Kaduna South (Zone 3). A significant association (p=0.034) between senatorial zones and rabies test results was observed, indicating a need for targeted public health interventions in specific zones. The study underscores the need for improving vaccination coverage and implementing educational campaigns to mitigate risk of rabies and reduce the incidence of animal bites. Enhanced public health strategies, community engagement and one health approach should be implemented to address the multifaceted challenges posed by dog bites and rabies in Kaduna State.

First record of Canthesancus gulo Stal, 1863 (Reduviidae, Stenopodainae) from Maharashtra, India

The brownish castaneous spot assassin bug Canthesancus gulo Stal, 1863 is reported from Maharashtra for the first time, as the first species of this genus in the Maharashtra state. The diagnostic characters, colour images, and current geographical distribution of species are given.

An entropy-based measurement for understanding origin-destination trip distributions: a case study of New York City taxis

ABSTRACT A comprehensive understanding of human mobility patterns in urban areas is essential for urban development and transportation planning. In this study, we create entropy-based measurements to capture the geographical distribution diversity of trip origins and destinations. Specifically, we develop origin-entropy and destination-entropy based on taxi and ride-sharing trip records. The origin-entropy for a given zone accounts for all the trips that originate from this zone and calculates the level of geographical distribution diversity of these trips’ destinations. Likewise, the destination-entropy for a given zone considers all the trips that end in this zone and calculates the level of geographical distribution diversity of these trips’ origins. Furthermore, we have created an interactive geovisualization that enables researchers to delve into and juxtapose the spatial and temporal dynamics of origin and destination entropy, in conjunction with trip counts for both origins and destinations. Results indicate that entropy-based measurements effectively capture shifts in the diversity of trips’ geographical origins and destinations, reflecting changes in travel decisions due to major events like the COVID-19 pandemic. These measurements, alongside trip counts, offer a more comprehensive understanding of urban human flows.

First record of Canthesancus gulo Stal, 1863 (Reduviidae, Stenopodainae) from Maharashtra, India

The brownish castaneous spot assassin bug Canthesancus gulo Stal, 1863 is reported from Maharashtra for the first time, as the first species of this genus in the Maharashtra state. The diagnostic characters, colour images, and current geographical distribution of species are given.

Endless forms most frustrating: disentangling species boundaries in the Ramalina decipiens group (Lecanoromycetes, Ascomycota), with the description of six new species and a key to the group

Oceanic islands have been recognized as natural laboratories in which to study a great variety of evolutionary processes. One such process is evolutionary radiations, the diversification of a single ancestor into a number of species that inhabit different environments and differ in the traits that allow them to exploit those environments. The factors that drive evolutionary radiations have been studied for decades in charismatic organisms such as birds or lizards, but are lacking in lichen-forming fungi, despite recent reports of some lineages showing diversification patterns congruent with radiation.Here we propose the Ramalina decipiens group as a model system in which to carry out such studies. This group is currently thought to be comprised of five saxicolous species, all of them endemic to the Macaronesian region (the Azores, Madeira, Selvagens, Canary, and Cape Verde islands). Three species are single-island endemics (a rare geographic distribution pattern in lichens), whereas two are widespread and show extreme morphological variation. The latter are suspected to harbor unrecognized species-level lineages.In order to use the Ramalina decipiens group as a model system, it is necessary to resolve the group's phylogeny and to clarify its species boundaries. In this study, we attempt to do so following an integrative taxonomy approach. We constructed a phylogenetic tree based on six molecular markers, four of which are newly developed, and generated competing species hypotheses based on molecular (species discovery strategies based on both single locus and multilocus datasets) and phenotypic data (unsupervised clustering algorithms based on morphology, secondary chemistry, and geographic origin).We found that taxonomic diversity in the Ramalina decipiens group has been highly underestimated in previous studies. In consequence, we describe six new species, most of them single-island endemics, and provide a key to the group. Phylogenetic relationships among species have been reconstructed with almost full support which, coupled with the endemic character of the group, makes it an excellent system for the study of island radiations in lichen-forming fungi.

An entropy-based measurement for understanding origin-destination trip distributions: a case study of New York City taxis

ABSTRACT A comprehensive understanding of human mobility patterns in urban areas is essential for urban development and transportation planning. In this study, we create entropy-based measurements to capture the geographical distribution diversity of trip origins and destinations. Specifically, we develop origin-entropy and destination-entropy based on taxi and ride-sharing trip records. The origin-entropy for a given zone accounts for all the trips that originate from this zone and calculates the level of geographical distribution diversity of these trips’ destinations. Likewise, the destination-entropy for a given zone considers all the trips that end in this zone and calculates the level of geographical distribution diversity of these trips’ origins. Furthermore, we have created an interactive geovisualization that enables researchers to delve into and juxtapose the spatial and temporal dynamics of origin and destination entropy, in conjunction with trip counts for both origins and destinations. Results indicate that entropy-based measurements effectively capture shifts in the diversity of trips’ geographical origins and destinations, reflecting changes in travel decisions due to major events like the COVID-19 pandemic. These measurements, alongside trip counts, offer a more comprehensive understanding of urban human flows.

New Geo- and Mining Heritage-Based Tourist Destinations in the Sudetes (SW Poland)—Towards More Effective Resilience of Local Communities

This paper explores several geotourist destinations in the mountainous area of SW Poland, either recently created or being developed right now, where the unifying theme is the emergence of a new site of interest in a place formerly inaccessible due to mining operations. We focus on five sites, including three in the territory of Land of the Extinct Volcanoes UNESCO Global Geopark, connected with the legacy of mining (coal, ores) and quarrying (solid rock, aggregates). For each locality, the history of mining is briefly outlined, followed by the presentation of its conversion into a tourist object and current use. The localities illustrate, at the same time, (a) various aspects of geoheritage and its connection with human activities, thus in line with the ABC concept promoted for geoparks and similar initiatives; (b) attempts to alleviate problems of abandoned mining grounds and their management; (c) different ways towards conversion of formerly inaccessible localities into tourist destinations; (d) ideas to increase the portfolio of (geo)tourist products at the regional scale, striving to achieve greater balance in the geographical distribution of sites of potential interest; and (e) a variety of current management challenges. Overall, it is argued that in each case, the emergence of a new site of interest is beneficial for the local community, as the visibility of the place is increasing, tourist visits grow, local identity is strengthened, and new employment opportunities arise, both directly and indirectly.

Mapping the research landscape: A bibliometric analysis of e-learning during the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has considerably affected e-learning, leading to a surge in research output from 2020 to 2022. This increase is attributed to the rapid transition to online education, presenting challenges and opportunities for teachers. The shift to online education has also prompted the exploration of innovative approaches and educators' as well as learners' perceptions and experiences in e-learning. In this study, the research output on e-learning from 2020 to 2022 has been analyzed to reveal the major research trends. The study employs bibliometric techniques to explore the data retrieved from Scopus. Particularly, an analysis of metadata such as the geographical distribution of publications, authorship, keywords, and the impact of works has been conducted. The results reveal the most influential authors and works, as well as the emerging topics in the field. The data has been processed by utilizing bibliometric tools such as VOSviewer, Citespace, and Harzing's Publish or Perish.

Unraveling Dengue Virus Diversity in Asia: An Epidemiological Study through Genetic Sequences and Phylogenetic Analysis.

Dengue virus (DENV) is the causative agent of dengue. Although most infected individuals are asymptomatic or present with only mild symptoms, severe manifestations could potentially devastate human populations in tropical and subtropical regions. In hyperendemic regions such as South Asia and Southeast Asia (SEA), all four DENV serotypes (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4) have been prevalent for several decades. Each DENV serotype is further divided into multiple genotypes, reflecting the extensive diversity of DENV. Historically, specific DENV genotypes were associated with particular geographical distributions within endemic regions. However, this epidemiological pattern has changed due to urbanization, globalization, and climate change. This review comprehensively traces the historical and recent genetic epidemiology of DENV in Asia from the first time DENV was identified in the 1950s to the present. We analyzed envelope sequences from a database covering 16 endemic countries across three distinct geographic regions in Asia. These countries included Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka from South Asia; Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam from Mainland SEA; and Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore from Maritime SEA. Additionally, we describe the phylogenetic relationships among DENV genotypes within each serotype, along with their geographic distribution, to enhance the understanding of DENV dynamics.

Geographical distribution of the vector species Trypanosoma cruzi for Chagas disease in Ecuador: A narrative review

Geographical distribution of the vector species Trypanosoma cruzi for Chagas disease in Ecuador: A narrative review

Diverse Mycena Fungi and Their Potential for Gastrodia elata Germination.

It remains to be determined whether there is a geographical distribution pattern and phylogenetic signals for the Mycena strains with seed germination of the orchid plant Gastrodia elata. This study analyzed the community composition and phylogenetics of 72 Mycena strains associated with G. elata varieties (G. elata. f. glauca and G. elata. f. viridis) using multiple gene fragments (ITS+nLSU+SSU). We found that (1) these diverse Mycena phylogenetically belong to the Basidiospore amyloid group. (2) There is a phylogenetic signal of Mycena for germination of G. elata. Those strains phylogenetically close to M. abramsii, M. polygramma, and an unclassified Mycena had significantly higher germination rates than those to M. citrinomarginata. (3) The Mycena distribution depends on geographic site and G. elata variety. Both unclassified Mycena group 1 and the M. abramsii group were dominant for the two varieties of G. elata; in contrast, the M. citrinomarginata group was dominant in G. elata f. glauca but absent in G. elata f. viridis. Our results indicate that the community composition of numerous Mycena resources in the Zhaotong area varies by geographical location and G. elata variety. Importantly, our results also indicate that Mycena's phylogenetic status is correlated with its germination rate.

New perspective on sustainable practices in the events industry

PurposeThe aim of this study is to systematically review scientific research on sustainability in the event industry to understand the current state of affairs and provide a roadmap for future studies. By combining the topics of the event industry and sustainability, it aims to thematically analyze the scientific literature in this area.Design/methodology/approachThis study analyzed 1,710 studies in the Web of Science (WoS) database as of June 1, 2024. The keywords “event industry” and “sustainability” were used to search for academic articles, review articles, and conference proceedings. The data were analyzed geographically, thematically, and temporally. Cross-national research contributions, document types, researcher profiles, and interdisciplinary relationships were examined in detail.FindingsThe analysis shows that sustainability is an increasingly important issue in the events industry, with countries such as the USA, China and Australia leading the way. Most research is in the form of articles, with conference proceedings and reviews playing an important role. There is a particular concentration in categories such as “management,” “hospitality, leisure, sport and tourism” and “sustainability science.” Even during the pandemic, there has been a significant increase in research activity, underscoring the importance of this topic on a global scale. Researchers have made significant scientific contributions in this area. These interdisciplinary studies have revealed important intersections between environmental sustainability and event management.Originality/valueThis study provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of research on the event industry and sustainability, illustrating the interdisciplinary nature of the field and the geographical distribution of research activity. A systematic review of the literature consolidates the body of knowledge in this field and provides directions for future research. This study highlights the need for more in-depth and comprehensive research on sustainability, and provides an important framework for strengthening the links between event management and sustainability.

Epidemiology and Genetic Characterization of Leishmania RNA Virus in Leishmania (Viannia) spp. Isolates from Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Endemic Areas in Panama.

Leishmania (Viannia) spp. can harbor a double-stranded RNA virus known as Leishmania RNA virus 1 (LRV-1), whose presence has been reported in nine countries across the Americas and seven Leishmania species. Here, we studied 100 Leishmania (Viannia) isolates from patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis collected from different endemic areas in Panama from 2016 to 2022. We identified L. (V.) panamensis, L. (V.) guyanensis, L. (V.) braziliensis/guyanensis hybrid, and L. (V.) panamensis sp.1. (genetic variant). LRV-1 was detected by RT-PCR in 9% of L. (Viannia) isolates (eight cases in L. (V.) panamensis, and one in L. (V.) guyanensis). Phylogenetic analysis based on sequencing data classified all LRV-1 isolates within genotype A, suggesting that LRV phylogenetic proximity is closely aligned with geographical distribution or to the phylogenetic proximity of the Leishmania host in the case of the L. (V.) panamensis and L. (V.) guyanensis in Panama.

Microsatellite analysis of genetic diversity and population differentiation of Acanthopagrus schlegelii in China

The study utilized 9 self-selected polymorphic microsatellite loci to amplify and investigate the genetic diversity and differentiation of Acanthopagrus schlegelii populations in 10 wild populations along the Chinese coast. The values of Polymorphic Information Content (PIC) ranged from 0.4433 to 0.5804, with an average value of 0.5143. The average number of alleles per locus (A) ranged from 3.0000 to 3.4444, with a mean value of 3.2333 and an overall value of 3.6667. The average number of effective alleles per locus (Ae) ranged from 2.0130 to 2.6014, with a mean value of 2.2994 and an overall value of 2.8013. The observed heterozygosity (Ho) ranged from 0.4607 to 0.5789, with an average value of 0.5278 and an overall value of 0.5261. The expected heterozygosity (He) ranged from 0.4657 to 0.5967, with an average value of 0.5183 and an overall value of 0.6224. The results of genetic differentiation showed the genetic differentiation coefficient (Fst) was 0.1806, and the gene flow (Nm) was 1.1342. The UPGMA cluster analysis indicated significant genetic differentiation among A. schlegelii populations along the Chinese coast, with the populations being divided into two groups, namely the northern and southern populations. The genetic differentiation structure of the southern population was inconsistent with its geographical distribution. This study utilized microsatellite molecular markers to investigate the genetic diversity and genetic differentiation of 10 wild A. schlegelii populations along the coast of China. The research results indicate that the genetic diversity of the 10 wild A. schlegelii populations is at a moderate level, with evidence of north-south differentiation. This provides a scientific basis for the conservation, germplasm improvement, and aquaculture of A. schlegelii resources in China. It also offers background information for recent stock enhancement and release projects and their impact on the genetic resources of A. schlegelii.