Use of historical and contemporary distribution of mammals in China to inform conservation

A systematic understanding of dynamic animal extinction trajectories for different regions in a nation like China is critically important to developing practical conservation strategies. We explored historical and contemporary changes in terrestrial mammalian diversity to determine how diversity in each of the 5 regions in China has changed over time and to examine the conservation potential of these regions. We used records from databases on Pleistocene mammalian fossils and historical distribution records (1175–2020) for Primates (as a case study) to reconstruct evolutionary and historical distribution trajectories of the 11 orders of terrestrial mammals and to predict their prospective survival based on the national conservation strategy applied. The results indicated that since the Pleistocene, 4–5 mammalian orders have been lost in the northeast, 3 in central China, 2 along the coast, and 1 in the northwest. In the southwest, all 11 orders were maintained. Contemporarily, the coast and southwest had the highest and second-highest species densities. The southwest region and southeastern sections of the northwest region were the most historically and contemporarily diverse areas, which suggests that they should be the first priority for protected area (PA) designation. The central and coastal areas should be secondarily prioritized. In these 2 regions, conservation should focus on human coexistence with nature. Less attention should be paid to the PA in the northeast and western northwest because in these areas ecosystems are depauperate and the climate is harsh. Conservation in these areas should focus principally on avoiding further human encroachment on natural areas. Article impact statement: Historical and contemporary patterns of extinction can be a basis for mammalian conservation strategies.     

短程反硝化耦合厌氧氨氧化强化脱氮工艺研究与应用进展

短程反硝化耦合厌氧氨氧化（PD-A）工艺外加碳源和曝气成本较低、NO₂ ⁻生成稳定高效、总氮去除率高,并且可以减少温室气体N₂O的排放,是一种新型的生物脱氮工艺。现有关于PD-A的研究多以水质条件单一的模拟废水为对象,针对实际废水的研究尚少。分析了PD-A工艺的机制与特点,通过对比核心功能菌短程反硝化菌和厌氧氨氧化菌的最佳生长条件,并结合现有研究提出PD-A工艺运行的优化策略,继而分析了PD-A工艺在实际废水中的应用案例。结果表明,优化COD/NO₃ ⁻、接种不同结构的污泥和添加生物膜载体等有利于工艺高效稳定地运行;PD-A工艺在实际生活污水、养殖废水、高硝酸盐废水的处理中实现了较高的脱氮率,说明其处理实际废水具有可行性。最后,对PD-A工艺的发展进行展望,认为应以实际废水为处理对象,进一步研究系统内核心菌群的协同作用机制和混合生物脱氮调控方式,以提升工艺的稳定性及碳氮协同处理效率。

     

A review and numerical assessment of the random walk particle tracking method

We review the basic mathematical concepts of random walk particle tracking (RWPT) and its advantages and limitations. Three different numerical approaches to overcome the local mass conservation problem of the random walk methodology are examined: (i) the interpolation method, (ii) the reflection principle, and (iii) the generalized stochastic differential equations (GSDE). Analytical solutions of the spatial moments for a two-layer system are compared to model predictions using the different techniques and results demonstrate that the interpolation method reproduces correctly average velocity, but fails to reproduce macrodispersion at higher hydraulic conductivity contrasts between the two layers. On the contrary, the reflection principle and the GSDE approach underestimate average velocity, but reproduce macrodispersion better for high contrasts. The different behavior is based on an artificial shift of mass for increasing heterogeneities for the GSDE approach and the reflection principle, whereas the interpolation method suffers from the smoothing of the dispersion tensor. The behavior of these approaches was furthermore analyzed in two-dimensional heterogeneous hydraulic conductivity fields, which are characterized by different random function models. Solute transport was simulated correctly by all three approaches for the reference fields having Gaussian structures or non-Gaussian structures with an isotropic spatial correlation, even for a variance of the natural log of hydraulic conductivity of sigma(lnK)(2)=4. However, for the non-Gaussian model with a strong anisotropic spatial correlation and a variance of sigma(lnK)(2)=2 and higher, the interpolation method was the only technique modelling solute transport correctly. Furthermore, we discuss the general applicability of random walk particle tracking in comparison to the standard transport models and conclude that in advection-dominated problems using a high spatial discretization or requiring the performance of many model runs, RWPT represents a good alternative for modelling contaminant transport.     

Fire risk reduction through a community‐based risk assessment: reflections from Makola Market,Accra, Ghana

This paper explores the level of vulnerability to the hazard of fire that exists in Makola Market in Accra, Ghana, and assesses how this threat can be reduced through a community‐based risk assessment. It examines the perceptions of both market‐stall occupants and primary stakeholders regarding the hazard of fire, and analyses the availability of local assets (coping strategies) with which to address the challenge. Through an evaluation of past instances of fire, as well as in‐depth key stakeholder interviews, field visits, and observations, the study produces a detailed hazard map of the market. It goes on to recommend that policymakers consider short‐to‐long‐term interventions to reduce the degree of risk. By foregrounding the essence of holistic and integrated planning, the paper calls for the incorporation of disaster mitigation measures in the overall urban planning process and for the strict enforcement of relevant building and fire safety codes by responsible public agencies.     

Size-dependent mating and gender choice in a simultaneous hermaphrodite, Bulla gouldiana

Simultaneous hermaphrodites are predicted to optimally divide resources between male and female function, which can result in both size-dependent mating behaviors and conflict between potential mates. Predicted strategies include size-assortative mating, conditional exchange of gametes, and mating patterns where relative size affects investment in each sexual role. This study investigated the effect of body size on the mating strategies of a hermaphroditic opisthobranch, Bulla gouldiana. Although individuals were spatially aggregated in the field with high levels of movement and size variation, there was little evidence for predictions. Laboratory experiments, however, revealed complicated effects of mass on the probability and duration of mating, as well as gender choice. Pairs were more likely to mate if they included at least one large animal, with the larger animal typically inseminating the smaller. When both individuals were large, they were more likely to each mate in both sexual roles by switching roles once. Although B. gouldiana did not usually alternate between sexual roles multiple times within mating events, paired individuals behaved similarly (neither or both mating as sperm donors) more often than expected by chance. This suggests some level of reciprocity, which is unlikely to be conditional given rates of unilateral mating. When the larger member of the mating pair inseminated the smaller, the duration of insemination increased with the size of the smaller sperm recipient. Copulations lasted longer in pairs that switched sexual roles than in those that did not switch roles. This study suggests that variation in body size can lead to size-dependent mating patterns, but only some of the patterns in B. gouldiana support theoretical predictions. We review other studies that have addressed similar issues, providing inconsistent mating patterns in sperm-storing hermaphrodites.     

The Changing Nature of Conflict and Famine Vulnerability: The Case of Livestock Raiding in Turkana District, Kenya

The context of famine in Turkana has changed in recent years as the role played by livestock raiding in contributing to famine has increased. External responses to famine in Turkana have largely been drought driven, for example, food assistance and livestock restocking programmes, which have failed to meet the real needs of herders. The role of armed conflict in the form of raiding has been overlooked as a common feature of societies facing famine and food insecurity.The traditional livelihood-enhancing functions of livestock raiding are contrasted with the more predatory forms common today. The direct impact of raiding on livelihood security can be devastating, while the threat of raids and measures taken to cope with this uncertainty undermine herders' livelihood strategies. Self-imposed restrictions on mobility negatively affect the vegetation of both grazed and ungrazed pastures and restrict the available survival strategies. Predatory raiding leads to a collapse in the moral economy. Some implications of this for relief and development policy are considered, including approaches to conflict resolution.     

辽宁省化学品环境风险特征及管理对策分析

通过对辽宁省化学品分布、三大行业l810家企业化学品环境风险单元、防范措施、应急处置、应急救援资源情况及存在问题的分析研究,提出适合辽宁省化学品环境风险管理对策建议。     

Reverse logistics in the Chinese auto-parts firms: implementation framework development through multiple case studies

In recent years, the implementation of reverse logistics (RL) in automobile manufacturing has drawn extensive interest from the Chinese government that has launched relevant take-back and environmental regulations and pilot projects. This study focuses on RL implementation issues in Chinese auto-parts manufacturing sector. Based on comprehensive literature review and multiple case studies in the Chinese auto-parts firms, this paper proposes a conceptual RL framework and highlights the major implementation issues. The purpose of this paper is to draw an overall picture of RL in the Chinese context, highlighting implementation issues in the auto-parts sector. Our study suggests that Chinese RL implementation requires close government monitoring mechanism and incentives, top management commitment within firms, technology and human capabilities support.     

青海湖几种主要湿地植物的种群分布格局及动态

应用种群生态空间分布的分析方法,研究了青海湖四种主要湿地植物：杉叶藻（Hippuris vulgaris)、槽杆荸荠（Eleocharis valleculosa)、华扁穗莞（Blysmus sinocompresus)、碱蓬（Suaeda glauca)的空间分布格局及其动态,研究表明：杉叶藻、槽杆荸荠、华扁穗莞三种群由侵入期、定期初期到种群发育盛期的过程中,其集群程度先增大后减小,总体呈扩散的趋势;碱蓬种群,从幼苗到繁殖期,集群程度增大,呈聚集的趋势,说明前三种植物的克隆繁殖方式于滨湖湿地生境具有更好的生态适应性,图2表3参11