Suitable Distribution Research Articles

Optimization of Photothermal Catalytic Reaction of Ethyl Acetate and NO Catalyzed by Biochar-Supported MnOx-TiO2 Catalysts.

The substitution of ethyl acetate for ammonia in NH3-SCR provides a novel strategy for the simultaneous removal of VOCs and NO. In this study, three distinct types of biochar were fabricated through pyrolysis at 700 °C. MnOx and TiO2 were sequentially loaded onto these biochar substrates via a hydrothermal process, yielding a family of biochar-based catalysts with optimized dosages. Upon exposure to xenon lamp irradiation at 240 °C, the biochar catalyst designated as 700-12-3GN, derived from Ginkgo shells, demonstrated the highest catalytic activity when contrasted with its counterparts prepared from moso bamboo and loofah. The conversion efficiencies for NO and ethyl acetate (EA) peaked at 73.66% and 62.09%, respectively, at a catalyst loading of 300 mg. The characterization results indicate that the 700-12-3GN catalyst exhibits superior activity, which can be attributed to the higher concentration of Mn4+ and Ti4+ species, along with its superior redox properties and suitable elemental distribution. Notably, the 700-12-3GN catalyst has the smallest specific surface area but the largest pore volume and average BJH pore size, indicating that the specific surface area is not the predominant factor affecting catalyst performance. Instead, pore volume and average BJH pore diameter appear to be the more influential parameters. This research provides a reference and prospect for the resource utilization of biochar and the development of photothermal co-catalytic ethyl acetate and NO at low cost.

MaxEnt-Based Potential Distribution Mapping and Range Shift under Future Climatic Scenarios for an Alpine Bamboo Thamnocalamus spathiflorus in Northwestern Himalayas

Thamnocalamus spathiflorus is a shrubby woody bamboo invigorating at the alpine and sub-alpine region of the northwestern Himalayas. The present investigation was conducted to map the potential distribution of Th. spathiflorus in the western Himalayas for current and future climate scenario using Ecological Niche Modelling (ENM). In total, 125 geo-coordinates were collected for the species presence from Himachal Pradesh (HP) and Uttarakhand (UK) states of India and modelled to predict the current distribution using the Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) model, along with 13 bioclimatic variables selected after multi-collinearity test. Model output was supported with a significant value of the Area Under the “Receiver Operating Characteristics” Curve (AUC = 0.975 ± 0.019), and other confusion matrix-derived accuracy measures. The variables, namely precipitation seasonality (Bio 15), precipitation (Prec), annual temperature range (Bio 7), and altitude (Alt) showed highest level of percentage contribution (72.2%) and permutation importance (60.9%) in predicting the habitat suitability of Th. spathiflorus. The actual (1 km2 buffer zone) and predicted estimates of species cover were ~136 km2 and ~982 km2, respectively. The predicted range was extended from Chamba (HP) in the north to Pithoragarh (UK) in southeast, which further protracted to Nepal. Furthermore, the distribution modelling under future climate change scenarios (RCP 8.5) for year 2050 and 2070 showed an eastern centroidal shift with slight decline of the species area by ~16 km2 and ~46 km2, respectively. This investigation employed the Model for Interdisciplinary Research on Climate (MIROC6)–shared socio-economics pathways (SSP245) for cross-validation purposes. The model was used to determine the habitat suitability and potential distribution of Th. spathiflorus in relation to the current distribution and RCP 8.5 future scenarios for the years 2021–2040 and 2061–2080, respectively. It showed a significant decline in the distribution area of the species between year 2030 and 2070. Overall, this is the pioneer study revealing the eco-distribution prediction modelling of this important high-altitude bamboo species.

Environmental consequences in lifecycle changes of container shipping vessels

To estimate the average lifespan of container vessels, this study specified their most suitable lifespan distribution function using a comprehensive dataset comprising 2188 container vessels manufactured and retired between 1941 and 2018. The lifecycle CO2 emissions of vessels were estimated under different scenarios with varied average lifespans and average carbon intensity improvements per annum through stock-flow model analysis. The results indicated that a normal distribution best represented the lifespan distribution of container vessels, with an estimated average lifespan of approximately 24 years. Furthermore, scenario analyses revealed that shortening the lifespans of container vessels can effectively reduce lifecycle CO2 emissions. This study demonstrates the synergistic contribution of accelerating the replacement cycle of container vessels and implementing stronger energy efficiency regulations for emissions reduction, highlighting the importance of policies regulating vessel lifespans.

Impacts of Climate Change on the Distribution of Suitable Habitats and Ecological Niche for Trollius Wildflowers in Ili River Valley, Tacheng, Altay Prefecture.

Xinjiang in China is distinguished by its distinctive regional landscape and high ecological sensitivity. Trollius wildflowers represent a unique and iconic element of the mountain flower landscape in Xinjiang. However, their populations are predominantly distributed in mountainous areas, making them susceptible to climate change. Despite this, the impacts of climate change on the distribution of suitable habitats and ecological niche differentiation for Trollius wildflowers have rarely been quantified. Consequently, simulations were conducted using the R-optimized MaxEnt model to predict the suitable habitat distribution of Trollius wildflowers. This was based on the occurrence data and environmental variables for the four species of Trollius (T. altaicus, T. asiaticus, T. dschungaricus, and T. lilacinus) that exist in the study area. The simulation was conducted over a period of time, beginning with the past glacial period and extending to the present, and then to the future (2050s, 2070s, and 2090s) under multiple scenarios (SSP1-2.6, SSP3-7.0, SSP5-8.5). The simulation of suitable habitats enabled the measurement of the ecological niche breadth and differentiation. The results demonstrate that the model predictions are precisely accurate, with AUC values exceeding 0.9. Annual mean temperature (Bio1), isothermality (Bio3), and precipitation in the warmest quarter (Bio18) are the dominant climate variables, in addition to vegetation, elevation, and soil factors. The proportion of suitable habitats for Trollius wildflowers varies considerably over time, from 0.14% to 70.97%. The majority of habitat loss or gain occurs at the edges of mountains, while stable habitats are concentrated in the core of the mountains. The gravity center of suitable habitats also shifts with spatial transfer, with the shifts mainly occurring in a northeasterly-southwesterly direction. The SSP1-2.6 scenario results in the sustained maintenance of habitats, whereas the SSP3-7.0 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios present challenges to the conservation of habitats. The threshold of ecological niche breadth for Trollius wildflowers is subject to fluctuations, while the ecological niche differentiation also varies. The study aims to examine the evolution of the habitat and ecological niche of Trollius wildflowers in Xinjiang under climate change. The findings will provide theoretical support for delineating the conservation area, clarify the scope of mountain flower tourism development and protection of mountain flower resources, and promote the sustainable development of ecotourism and effective utilization of territorial space in Xinjiang.

Distribution of the mysterious Chevron Crickets Melanabropsis Wang & Liu, 2020, with a remarkable new species from Hainan, China (Orthoptera: Anostostomatidae: Anabropsini)

Melanabropsis is a rare genus of Chevron Crickets from East Asia. In this study, Melanabropsis nightfury sp. nov. is described from Hainan Island in China. The new species is the first macropterous species belonging to the genus Melanabropsis, distinctly different from other species of the genus, which are all micropterous. Based on the data of the new species and records on iNaturalist, a suitability distribution map of the genus is generated using the Maxent model. The results indicate that this genus is primarily distributed in islands and mountains with small temperature differences and high precipitation. Taiwan Island in China shows high potential for distribution. Type specimens are deposited in the Museum of Biology, East China Normal University.

The Influence of Climate Change on the Distribution of Hibiscus mutabilis in China: MaxEnt Model-Based Prediction.

Our study utilized 374 geographical distribution records of H. mutabilis and 19 bioclimatic factors, employing the MaxEnt model and the Geographic Information System (ArcGIS). The key environmental variables influencing the suitable distribution areas of H. mutabilis were analyzed through the comprehensive contribution rate, permutation importance, and Pearson correlation coefficient. Based on this analysis, the contemporary and future suitable distribution areas and their extents were predicted. The results indicate that the key limiting factor affecting the suitable distribution areas of H. mutabilis is the precipitation of the driest month (bio14), with secondary factors being annual precipitation (bio12), annual mean temperature (bio1), and annual temperature range (bio7). Under contemporary climate conditions, the total suitable area for H. mutabilis is approximately 2,076,600 km2, primarily concentrated in the tropical and subtropical regions of southeastern China. Under low-to-medium-emission scenarios (SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5), the total suitable area of H. mutabilis shows a trend of first decreasing and then increasing compared to the current scenario. In contrast, under high-emission scenarios (SSP5-8.5), it exhibits a trend of first increasing and then decreasing. The spatial pattern changes indicate that the retention rate of suitable areas for H. mutabilis ranges from 95.28% to 99.28%, with the distribution centers primarily located in Hunan and Guizhou provinces, showing an overall migration trend towards the west and north. These findings suggest that H. mutabilis possesses a certain level of adaptability to climate change. However, it is crucial to consider regional drought and sudden drought events in practical cultivation and introduction processes. The results of our study provide a scientific basis for the rational cultivation management, conservation, and utilization of germplasm resources of H. mutabilis.

Possible Changes in Red Pine (Pinus brutia Ten.) Distribution Areas in Kastamonu due to Global Climate Change

In this study, it was aimed to determine the current status of red pine (Pinus brutia Ten.) distribution areas in Kastamonu Forestry Regional Directorate, which is the Forestry Regional Directorate with the highest production in Türkiye, and the possible changes in suitable distribution areas due to global climate change. In the study, in addition to the current suitable distribution areas of red pine (Pinus brutia Ten.), suitable distribution areas in 2040, 2070 and 2100 according to SSP 126, SSP 370 and SSP 585 scenarios were determined. The results of the study show that there may be a loss of more than 15% (approximately 114,5 km2) in the suitable distribution areas of red pine populations in Kastamonu until 2100 due to the effects of climate change. It does not seem possible for the species to adapt to these changes without human intervention. Therefore, it is recommended that necessary adjustments should be made in forest management plans taking into account the results of the study.

Using supervised machine learning for regional hydrological hazard estimation in metropolitan France

Study regionThis study is carried out for 1929 gauged catchments in France, ranging from 1 to 10,000 km², where quality hydrometric observations are available for flood frequency analysis. Study focusThe regional estimation of hydrological hazards is studied for flood risk management and prevention in hydrology. For gauged catchments, flow quantiles can be estimated from observations using statistical approaches based on suitable probability distributions or simulation approaches based on rainfall-runoff transformation models. For ungauged catchments, the lack of hydrological observations means that we have to extrapolate our knowledge of hazards from gauged catchments to ungauged catchments, using regionalization methods. It is therefore necessary to combine regionalization methods with the implemented hazard estimation approach. In this paper, two popular machine learning methods, Random Forest and Neural Networks, are tested and compared as regionalization methods. A classical regionalization method using multiple linear regression is also applied as a benchmark to evaluate the performance of all configurations. All these regionalization methods are applied to a simulation-based approach (the SHYREG method) and to a statistical-based approach using generalized extreme value distribution (GEV). New hydrological insights•Regionalization approaches based on multiple linear regression have limitations to explain parameters with environmental descriptors in Regional Flood Frequency Analysis (RFFA) domain.•Regionalizing RFFA parameters using Random Forest allows more explanatory variables to be considered through non-linear relationships, resulting in better parameter estimation.•Machine learning techniques can better handle environmental descriptors for regionalization, this providing a notable performance improvement, especially for the statistical approach.•The tested simulation-based approach is less sensitive to the choice of spatial interpolation method than the studied statistical approach.

Simultaneous improvements of thermal efficiencies and smoke emissions in semi-premixed diesel combustion with dual-injectors and a spatially divided combustion chamber

To simultaneously establish the high thermal efficiencies and the low smoke emissions in the semi-premixed diesel combustion with a twin peaked heat release consisting of the first-stage premixed combustion and the second-stage spray diffusive combustion, a combination of dual-injectors and a newly designed divided combustion chamber was proposed and the combustion characteristics were investigated. The divided chamber with a lip at the middle of the side wall can prevent the second fuel spray from entering the burned region of the premixture from the first-stage injection, realizing a suitable spatial distribution of spray flames and suppressing the soot formation. The dual-injectors can independently provide the fuel sprays into the upper and the lower layers of the divided chamber with the optional quantities and timings for the first and second injections, establishing the optimum combustion phasing. The distributions of the equivalence ratios and the soot formation characteristics in the divided chamber as well as in an ordinary re-entrant chamber as a reference were analysed with CFD simulations, showing that the soot formation is smaller in the divided chamber. The second-stage spray diffusive combustion is improved as well as the late afterburning and the combustion duration are reduced with the suppression of interference between the spray flames in the divided chamber. The cooling loss in the divided chamber is smaller due to the weaker gas motion and the lower heat transfer coefficient. The experiments also showed that the thermal efficiencies are better and the smoke emissions are lower in the divided chamber at medium loads. However, at higher loads, the smoke emissions increase due to the offset injector arrangement, and the CFD analysis showed that lower smoke emissions can be expected with optimization of the injector arrangement to locate the injector for the second fuel injection at the centre of cylinder.

Appropriateness of Dose Attenuation Margin Outside the Gross Tumor Volume (GTV) in Volumetric-Modulated Arc-Based Radiosurgery for Brain Metastasis With the Steepest Dose Gradient Outside the GTV and Biologically Effective Dose 80 Gy to GTV Boundary.

Introduction In stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for brain metastasis (BM), volumetric-modulated arcs (VMA) can provide a suitable dose distribution and efficient delivery, even with a widely available 5-mm leaf-width multileaf collimator (MLC). The planning optimization with affirmatively accepting internal high doses of a gross tumor volume (GTV) enhances the steepness of the dose gradient outside the GTV. However, an excessively steep dose falloff outside a GTV is susceptible to insufficient coverage of inherent irradiation uncertainties with the dose attenuation margin. This study was conducted to examine the appropriateness of dose attenuation margin outside a GTV in 5-mm MLC VMA-based SRS with a steep dose gradient and dose prescription with a biologically effective dose (BED) 80 Gy in various fractions to the GTV margin. Materials and methods This was a planning study for the clinical scenario of a single BM and targeted 28 GTVs, including nine sphere-shaped models with diameters of 5-45 mm and 19 clinical BMs (GTV 0.08-44.33 cc). SRS plans were generated for each GTV using 5-mm MLC VMA with an optimization that prioritized the steepness of dose falloff outside the GTV boundary without any internal dose constraints. A prescribed dose with the BED 80 Gy in 1-10 fraction(s) was assigned to the GTV D V-0.01 cc, a minimum dose of GTV minus 0.01 cc (D >95% for GTV >0.20 cc, D 95% for GTV ≤0.20 cc). The BED was based on the linear-quadratic formula with an alpha/beta ratio of 10 (BED10). Two planning systems were compared for the GTV + 2 mm structures that were generated by adding an isotropic 2-mm margin to the GTV. Results The GTV + 2 mm volumes differed significantly between the systems and further varied on the dose-volume histograms. The D V-0.05 cc, D 98%, and D 95% of the GTV + 2 mm were associated with substantial over- or under-coverages of the GTV + 2 mm, although the irradiated isodose volumes (IIVs) of the D 98% were closest to the GTV + 2 mm in general. The coverage values of the GTV + 2 mm with the minimum dose of the IIV equivalent to the GTV + 2 mm, D eIIV, were 93.3%-98.7% (≥95% in 26 cases). The GTV + 2 mm D eIIV relative to the GTV D V-0.01 cc was ≥81.9% (BED10 ≥60 Gy in ≤5 fractions) in 13 cases, while those were <69.8% (BED10 <48 Gy in ≤5 fractions) in four cases with the GTV of 0.33-1.77 cc. Conclusions A dose attenuation margin outside a GTV can be excessively steep for some small GTVs in 5-mm MLC VMA-based SRS with a steepest dose gradient and a BED10 80 Gy in ≤5 fractions to the GTV D V-0.01 cc, for which an adjustment of the too precipitous dose gradient is preferred to sufficiently cover relevant uncertainties. A GTV + 2 mm D eIIV with ≥95% coverage is more suitable for evaluating the appropriateness of dose attenuation outside the GTV than other common metrics with a fixed % coverage or D V-≤0.05 cc. Given the substantial variability in margin addition functions among planning systems, dose prescription to a margin-added GTV is unsuitable for ensuring uniform dose prescription.

Seed Conservation Methods According to the Prediction of Suitable Distribution of Endangered Conifer Abies nephrolepis Maxim.

Seed Conservation Methods According to the Prediction of Suitable Distribution of Endangered Conifer Abies nephrolepis Maxim.

Predicting the Potential Distribution of Hypericum perforatum under Climate Change Scenarios Using a Maximum Entropy Model.

H. perforatum, as one of the Traditional Chinese Medicinal materials, possesses a variety of pharmacological activities and high medicinal value. However, in recent years, the wild resources of H. perforatum have been severely depleted due to global climate change and human activities, and artificial cultivation faces problems such as unstable yield and active ingredient content. This poses a serious obstacle to the development and utilization of its resources. Therefore, this experiment took H. perforatum as the research object and used 894 distribution records of H. perforatum and 36 climatic environmental factors, using the MaxEnt model and GIS technology to explore the main climatic factors affecting the distribution of H. perforatum. Additionally, by utilizing the principles of ecological niche theory, the potential suitable distribution regions of H. perforatum across past, present, and future timelines were predicted, which can ascertain the dynamics of its spatial distribution patterns and the trend of centroid migration. The results indicate that the main environmental factors affecting the geographical distribution of H. perforatum are solar radiation in April (Srad4), solar radiation in September (Srad9), mean temperature of driest quarter (Bio9), solar radiation in November (Srad11), annual mean temperature (Bio1), and annual precipitation (Bio12). Under future climate scenarios, there is a remarkable trend of expansion in the suitable distribution areas of H. perforatum. The centroid migration indicates a trend of migration towards the northwest direction and high-altitude areas. These results can provide a scientific basis for formulating conservation and sustainable use management strategies for H. perforatum resources.

Urban biodiversity conservation: A framework for ecological network construction and priority areas identification considering habit differences within species

The construction of ecological networks within the context of urbanization is an effective approach to cope with the challenges of urban biodiversity decline, representing a crucial goal in urban planning and development. However, existing studies often overlook the richness and uniqueness within species communities by homogenizing traits of species in the same class. This study proposes a framework for constructing and optimizing ecological networks focused on differential conservation within the same class. By classifying birds into three groups (specialists of water, forest or urban areas) based on their ecological requirements and urbanization tolerance, we constructed an ecological network tailored to their distinct migratory dispersal patterns. We then identified strategic areas including pinch points, barriers, and breakpoints specific to each bird group. Our findings reveal notable variations in suitable habitat distribution among different bird groups in urban environments. Corridor layouts varied according to habitat preferences and migratory dispersal patterns. Despite these differences, urban built-up areas persist as central hubs for the distribution of suitable habitats for 75% of bird species, with peripheral mountain-plain transition areas constituting 63% of crucial dispersal corridors. This emphasizes the critical role of urban built-up areas in maintaining biodiversity and ecological connectivity. Prioritizing connectivity between central urban areas and distant natural spaces is imperative. Our approach innovatively classifies and constructs networks to identify strategic areas with diverse species-specific attributes, providing valuable spatial information for land planning and guiding solutions to enhance target species. While the primary focus is on bird conservation in Beijing, our framework is broadly applicable to global biodiversity management and green planning under urbanization challenges. Overall, this study offers innovative insights for urban planning development and serves as decision support for prioritizing urban actions.

Efficient anode material derived from nutshells for bio-energy production in microbial fuel cell

Biochar is a carbonaceous solid that is prepared through thermo-chemical decomposition of biomass under an inert atmosphere. The present study compares the performance of biochar prepared from Peanut shell, coconut shell and walnut shell in dual chamber microbial fuel cell. The physicochemical and electrochemical analysis of biochar reveals that prepared biochar is macroporous, amorphous, biocompatible, and electrochemically conductive. Polarization studies show that Peanut shell biochar (PSB) exhibited a maximum power density of 165 mW/m2 followed by Coconut shell biochar (CSB) Activated Charcoal (AC) and Walnut shell biochar (WSB). Enhanced power density of PSB was attributed to its surface area and suitable pore size distribution which proved conducive for biofilm formation. Furthermore, the high electrical capacitance of PSB improved the electron transfer between microbes and anode.

Decision Support Systems Based on a Multiple-Criteria Decision Analysis to Promote a Whole-of-Resource Approach for Water Management, with a Case Study of Rural Bengaluru in India

The sustainable availability and resilient supply of safe drinking water remains a challenge that is far from fulfilled. As of 2024, around 2 billion people worldwide do not have access to safe drinking water. The regions of Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia are the most vulnerable regions in this regard. This is despite the fact that these regions are home to some of the world’s fastest-growing economies. However, economic growth and rapid urbanization may also be connected to the increasing water stress in the suburban and rural areas. We propose addressing the two main challenges in this regard, which are the selection of the suitable treatment and distribution systems for different contexts using a decision support system following a Whole-of-Resource Approach (WORA). This approach considers the different water sources and sinks as contributing to a positive or negative change in the single resource, irrespective of whether the resource, in this case water, is used for domestic, industrial, or agricultural purposes. In this regard, this paper presents an illustrative proof of concept for such a decision support tool based on a multiple-criteria decision analysis. The decision support tool is aimed at facilitating water management within a WORA by providing recommendations regarding rainwater harvesting and savings in agricultural water consumption, in addition to suggesting water treatment and distribution systems, enabling systemic water resource management adapted to local context-specific conditions and needs.

Predicting the potential risk of Caragana shrub encroachment in the Eurasian steppe under anthropogenic climate change

Climate change and human activities drive widespread shrub encroachment in global grassland ecosystems, particularly in the Eurasian steppe. Caragana shrubs, the primary contributors to shrub encroachment in this region, play a crucial role in shaping the ecosystem's structure and function. Future changes in the suitable distribution range of Caragana species will directly affect the ecological security and sustainable socio-economic development of the Eurasian steppe ecosystem. We used an ensemble modeling approach to predict Caragana shrub-dominated plant communities' current and future distribution in three major steppe subregions: the Black Sea-Kazakhstan steppe, the Tibetan Plateau steppe, and the Central Asian steppe. We assessed the potential risk of Caragana shrub encroachment by predicting changes in the suitable distribution area of 19 Caragana shrub species under future climate changes. Our research findings suggest that the expansion of Caragana species in different subregions of the Eurasian steppe is influenced by the effects of climate change in various ways. The distribution of Caragana species is primarily influenced by precipitation and temperature, and the global human modification (ghm) has a significant impact on the Central Asian and Tibetan Plateau subregions. Minimal changes are expected in the Black Sea-Kazakhstan subregion, a slight increase on the Tibetan Plateau, and a substantial rise in the Central Asian subregion, which suggests a higher potential risk of Caragana species shrub encroachment in that area. Our research provides valuable insights into the response of Caragana shrub encroachment to changing climates and human activities. It also has implications for the sustainable management of different areas of the vast Eurasian steppe ecosystem.

Predicting the Impact of Climate Change on the Future Distribution of Paederus fuscipes Curtis, 1826, in China Based on the MaxEnt Model.

Paederus fuscipes Curtis, 1826, belongs to the Coleoptera order, Staphylinidae family, and Paederus genus (Fabricius, 1775). It has a wide distribution and strong invasive and environmental adaptation capabilities. As a predatory natural enemy of agricultural and forestry pests, understanding its suitable habitat is crucial for the control of other pests. This study, for the first time, uses the MaxEnt model and ArcGIS software, combining known distribution information of P. fuscipes and climate environmental factors to predict the current and future suitable habitat distribution of this insect. The key environmental variables affecting the distribution of P. fuscipes have been identified as mean diurnal range (mean of monthly (max temp-min temp)) (bio2), isothermality (Bio2/Bio7) (*100) (bio3), minimum temperature of the coldest month (bio6), temperature annual range (bio5-bio6) (bio7), mean temperature of the driest quarter (bio9), mean temperature of the coldest quarter (bio11), precipitation of the wettest month (bio13), precipitation of the driest month (bio14), and precipitation seasonality (coefficient of variation) (bio15). The highly suitable areas for P. fuscipes in China are mainly distributed in the hilly regions of Shandong, the North China Plain, and the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River Plain, with a total suitable area of 118.96 × 104 km2, accounting for 12.35% of China's total area. According to future climate change scenarios, it is predicted that the area of highly and lowly suitable regions will significantly decrease, while moderately suitable regions will increase (except for the 2090s, SSP2-4.5 scenario). These research findings provide important theoretical support for pest control and ecological conservation applications.

Range of Terrain Suitability for the Development of the Aladi Tulabolo Road Network Gorontalo Province

This research aims to identify, analyze and develop a road route development model based on terrain suitability to establish a new road network connecting Aladi with Tulabolo, Bone Bolango Regency in Gorontalo Province. A GIS-based spatial approach is used to describe and measure terrain suitability. Based on the characteristics of the research object, survey methods are used; based on population characteristics, stratified proportional sampling is used as the mapping unit; and based on its relationship to analysis, scoring-based quantitative and qualitative methods are used. The research results show that (1) the characteristics of the distribution of terrain suitability for the development of the road network in the research area are based on the parameters that make up terrain units such as landform units, slope, rock type and soil type, resulting in zoning with 5 (five) levels of suitability. The five levels of suitability are S1 suitability (high suitability), S2 suitability (medium suitability), N1 suitability (temporarily not suitable), and N2 suitability (permanently not eligible). (2) The distribution of terrain suitability classes for developing the dominant road network for the Aladi-Tulabolo area is in suitability class S2 (medium suitability), covering an area of 99.25 km2 . (3) The road route development model based on the suitability of the terrain in the research area is formed with the formulation Terrain Unit (SM) = f (bl, kl, jb, jt), where bl = landform, kl = slope, jb = rock type, and jt = soil type

Development of growth selection system and pocket engineering of d-amino acid oxidase to enhance selective deamination activity toward d-phosphinothricin.

D-amino acid oxidase (DAAO)-catalyzed selective oxidative deamination is a very promising process for synthesizing l-amino acids including l-phosphinothricin (l-PPT, a high-efficiency and broad-spectrum herbicide). However, the wild-type DAAO's low activity toward unnatural substrates like d-phosphinothricin (d-PPT) hampers its application. Herein, a DAAO from Caenorhabditis elegans (CeDAAO) was screened and engineered to improve the catalytic potential on d-PPT. First, we designed a novel growth selection system, taking into account the intricate relationship between the growth of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and the catalytic mechanism of DAAO. The developed system was used for high-throughput screening of gene libraries, resulting in the discovery of a variant (M6) with significantly increased catalytic activity against d-PPT. The variant displays different catalytic properties on substrates with varying hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity. Analysis using Alphafold2 modeling and molecular dynamic simulations showed that the reason for the enhanced activity was the substrate-binding pocket with enlarged size and suitable charge distribution. Further QM/MM calculations revealed that the crucial factor for enhancing activity lies in reducing the initial energy barrier of the reductive half reaction. Finally, a comprehensive binding-model index to predict the enhanced activity of DAAO toward d-PPT, and an enzymatic deracemization approach was developed, enabling the efficient synthesis of l-PPT with remarkable efficiency.

Adaptive divergence, historical population dynamics, and simulation of suitable distributions for Picea Meyeri and P. Mongolica at the whole-genome level

The taxonomic classification of Picea meyeri and P. mongolica has long been controversial. To investigate the genetic relatedness, evolutionary history, and population history dynamics of these species, genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) technology was utilized to acquire whole-genome single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers, which were subsequently used to assess population structure, population dynamics, and adaptive differentiation. Phylogenetic and population structural analyses at the genomic level indicated that although the ancestor of P. mongolica was a hybrid of P. meyeri and P. koraiensis, P. mongolica is an independent Picea species. Additionally, P. mongolica is more closely related to P. meyeri than to P. koraiensis, which is consistent with its geographic distribution. There were up to eight instances of interspecific and intraspecific gene flow between P. meyeri and P. mongolica. The P. meyeri and P. mongolica effective population sizes generally decreased, and Maxent modeling revealed that from the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) to the present, their habitat areas decreased initially and then increased. However, under future climate scenarios, the habitat areas of both species were projected to decrease, especially under high-emission scenarios, which would place P. mongolica at risk of extinction and in urgent need of protection. Local adaptation has promoted differentiation between P. meyeri and P. mongolica. Genotype‒environment association analysis revealed 96,543 SNPs associated with environmental factors, mainly related to plant adaptations to moisture and temperature. Selective sweeps revealed that the selected genes among P. meyeri, P. mongolica and P. koraiensis are primarily associated in vascular plants with flowering, fruit development, and stress resistance. This research enhances our understanding of Picea species classification and provides a basis for future genetic improvement and species conservation efforts.