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Simple Summary: Spodoptera exempta is a global agricultural invasive pest which posing a serious threat to the planting area of major crops of maize, wheat and rice. Our study predicted the potential suitable areas for S. exempta globally based on 841 global occurrence records and eight important bioclimatic variables, and analyzed the overlap with maize, wheat and rice planting areas. The results of the study indicate that the high potential suitable areas of S. exempta are mainly distributed in developing countries (Latin America, central South America, Central Africa, and southern Asia), with the greatest impact on global maize planting areas, followed by rice and wheat. Global warming will have a smaller limitation on the distribution of S. exempta. In view of the global potential geographic distribution of S. exempta and its damage to three major crops, the above governments of various countries should pay active attention to the prevention and control of S. exempta to protect global food security. Spodoptera exempta, known as the black armyworm, has been extensively documented as an invasive agricultural pest prevalent across various crop planting regions globally. However, the potential geographical distribution and the threat it poses to host crops of remains unknown at present. Therefore, we used an optimized MaxEnt model based on 841 occurrence records and 19 bioclimatic variables to predict the potential suitable areas of S. exempta under current and future climatic conditions, and the overlap with wheat, rice, and maize planting areas was assessed. The optimized model was highly reliable in predicting potential suitable areas for this pest. The results showed that high-risk distribution areas for S. exempta were mainly in developing countries, including Latin America, central South America, central Africa, and southern Asia. Moreover, for the three major global food crops, S. exempta posed the greatest risk to maize planting areas (510.78 × 104 km2), followed by rice and wheat planting areas. Under future climate scenarios, global warming will limit the distribution of S. exempta. Overall, S. exempta had the strongest effect on global maize production areas and the least on global wheat planting areas. Our study offers a scientific basis for global prevention of S. exempta and protection of agricultural crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive alien pests (IAPs) pose a major threat to global agriculture and food production. When multiple IAPs coexist in the same habitat and use the same resources, the economic loss to local agricultural production increases. Many species of the Diabrotica genus, such as Diabrotica barberi, Diabrotica undecimpunctata, and Diabrotica virgifera, originating from the USA and Mexico, seriously damaged maize production in North America and Europe. However, the potential geographic distributions (PGDs) and degree of ecological niche overlap among the three Diabrotica beetles remain unclear; thus, the potential coexistence zone is unknown. Based on environmental and species occurrence data, we used an ensemble model (EM) to predict the PGDs and overlapping PGD of the three Diabrotica beetles. The n-dimensional hypervolumes concept was used to explore the degree of niche overlap among the three species. The EM showed better reliability than the individual models. According to the EM results, the PGDs and overlapping PGD of the three Diabrotica beetles were mainly distributed in North America, Europe, and Asia. Under the current scenario, D. virgifera has the largest PGD ranges (1615 × 104 km2). In the future, the PGD of this species will expand further and reach a maximum under the SSP5-8.5 scenario in the 2050s (2499 × 104 km2). Diabrotica virgifera showed the highest potential for invasion under the current and future global warming scenarios. Among the three studied species, the degree of ecological niche overlap was the highest for D. undecimpunctata and D. virgifera, with the highest similarity in the PGD patterns and maximum coexistence range. Under global warming, the PGDs of the three Diabrotica beetles are expected to expand to high latitudes. Identifying the PGDs of the three Diabrotica beetles provides an important reference for quarantine authorities in countries at risk of invasion worldwide to develop specific preventive measures against pests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive alien insects directly or indirectly driven by climate change threaten crop production and increase economic costs worldwide. Ectomyelois ceratoniae (Zeller) is a highly reproductive invasive crop insect that can severely damage fruit commodities and cause significant economic losses globally. Estimating the global potentially suitable habitats (PSH) of E. ceratoniae is an important aspect of its invasive risk assessment and early warning. Here, we constructed an optimized MaxEnt model based on the global distribution records of E. ceratoniae, and nine environmental variables (EVs), to predict its global PSH under current and future climates. Our results showed that the RM value was 2.0 and the mean area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) value was 0.972, indicating the high accuracy of the optimal MaxEnt model. The mean temperature of driest quarter (bio9, 50.2%), mean temperature of wettest quarter (bio8, 16.9%), temperature seasonality (bio4, 9.7%), and precipitation of coldest quarter (bio19, 9.1%) were the significant EVs affecting its distribution patterns. The global PSH of E. ceratoniae are mainly located in western Asia under current climate scenarios (687.57 × 104 km2), which showed an increasing trend under future climate scenarios. The PSH of E. ceratoniae achieved the maximum under the shared socioeconomic pathway (SSP) 1–2.6 in the 2030s and under the SSP2-4.5 in the 2050s. The increased PSH of E. ceratoniae are mainly located in southwestern Asia, northwestern Europe, northwestern South America, northwestern North America, southern Oceania, and northwestern Africa. Our findings suggest that quarantine officials and governmental departments in the above high-risk invasion areas should strengthen monitoring and early warning to control E. ceratoniae; in particular, cultural measures should be taken in areas where its further expansion is expected in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Research on population genetic patterns and potential distribution dynamics can provide insights into the development of pest management strategies. Herein, we integrated population genetic analyses with the climatic niche approach to investigate spatial population genetic variations and potential geographical distribution (PGD) of the herbivorous pest Phytomyza horticola. We also analysed its population response patterns to both late Pleistocene climatic events and future climate change. Location: China. Methods: We analysed the patterns of genetic diversity distribution in 29 populations from 19 regions across China using three mitochondrial (COI, COII and Cytb) genes as markers. We estimated demographic histories using neutrality tests, mismatch distributions and Bayesian skyline plots. Changes in PGD were assessed using an ecological niche model. Results: High genetic diversity was found in most populations, and the northern population exhibited higher haplotype diversity. The population genetic structure included the Tibet lineage and a large lineage comprising the remaining populations. Demographic analyses indicated that rapid population expansion occurred during the cold Last Glacial Maximum. In addition, our projections suggested that P. horticola currently has a vast PGD in China, for which the human influence index was the strongest variable. Large areas of cold northern regions were highly suitable for its survival. Under future global warming, highly suitable habitats will shift towards the higher latitudes. Main conclusions: P. horticola is widely distributed across varied environments, which may be attributed to its high degree of genetic variation. Human activities likely facilitated the current PGD and the frequent gene flow that homogenized differentiation among most populations. In addition, P. horticola exhibits strong adaptability to cold climates and environments from the past to the future. Considering future climatic changes, prevention and control should focus on high‐latitude regions, and vigilance regarding human‐mediated pest dispersals and outbreaks should be maintained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effect of Al2O3 content on viscous behaviors of the secondary copper smelting slags was investigated in depth. It was determined that in the slag system of SiO2-FeO-Al2O3-12 wt.%Fe2O3-8 wt.%CaO-3 wt.%MgO, the addition of Al2O3 (0–12 wt.%) increased the slag viscosity and activation energy for viscous flow (Eη). The breaking temperature of the slag (TBr) exhibited a minimum value at the Al2O3 addition of 6 wt.%. X-ray diffraction (XRD) tests and thermodynamic calculations indicated the increase of Al2O3 content can promote the precipitation of fayalite and anorthite phases and simultaneously suppress the precipitation of clinopyroxene phase. Moreover, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy suggested that Al2O3 presented acidic oxide properties and acted as a network former to increase the polymerization of the melt. As the Al2O3 increased, the aluminium–oxygen tetrahedra copolymerized with silicon–oxygen tetrahedra, forming a more complex aluminosilicate composite network structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is an invasive alien species that can damage cotton plants and cause huge economic losses in the cotton industry. Currently, A. grandis is mainly distributed in the American continent. However, few studies have indicated the distribution and modification of its suitable global habitats after undergoing climate change. Based on the 339 distribution records of A. grandis and eight bioclimatic variables, we used the optimal MaxEnt model to predict the potential global distribution of A. grandis under the current (1970–2000) and future climatic scenarios (SSP5-8.5). The annual mean temperature (bio1) and isothermality (bio3) were the two most important bioclimatic variables, which indicates that the survival of A. grandis is extremely sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Under the current scenario, the highly suitable habitats were mainly distributed in America (the USA, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay), Africa (South Africa, Ethiopia, and Mozambique), Asia (Pakistan, India, Thailand, Burma, and China), and Oceania (Australia). In future scenarios (SSP5-8.5), the potential suitable global habitats reached the highest level in America, Africa, Asia, and Oceania in the 2090s. Our study provides a meaningful reference for researchers, quarantine officers, and governments to devise suitable management control strategies for A. grandis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the effects of Fe/SiO2 and MgO content on the viscous behaviors of the slag formed by the charging of secondary resources into the copper-smelting furnace. It is determined that the increase of Fe/SiO2 (0.8–1.2) and the addition of MgO (1–7 wt pct) both reduce the slag viscosity. The addition of MgO accelerates the transition of breaking temperature of slags to higher temperatures, while the effect of Fe/SiO2 on that is relatively complicated. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectra indicate that increases in either Fe/SiO2 or MgO content contribute to depolymerization of silicate network structures in high-temperature melts. The [AlO6]9− octahedra in the melt tended to increase with increasing Fe/SiO2 and MgO content, while the opposite change is observed for [FeO4]5− tetrahedra. Moreover, an increase in Fe/SiO2 or MgO content also leads to a gradual decrease in the activation energy of slag viscous flow, except in the case of Fe/SiO2 of 1.2 and MgO content of 7 wt pct. This unexpected discrepancy can be accounted for different types of flow units that arise in the slag at high temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interface characteristics of cyanide tailings are different from those of the raw ore. In this study, valuable elements could not be thoroughly recovered via the flotation of cyanide tailings from Shandong, China. The interface and floatability of these tailings were investigated by phase analysis and flotation tests. The chalcopyrite in the cyanide tailings was fine and had a porous surface. The floatability of 68% chalcopyrite was similar to that of galena in the presence of a collector. A layer of fine galena particles compactly wrapped the chalcopyrite. The chalcopyrite recovery sharply decreased as the nonpolar oil residue in cyanide tailings was extracted using alcohol; however, this removal had no effect on the galena. The remaining chalcopyrite in the flotation tailings was covered with an oxidation layer consisting of O, Fe, S, Pb, Cu, Zn, and Si. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a correction notice for an article titled "Early warning and management of invasive crop pests under global warming: estimating the global geographical distribution patterns and ecological niche overlap of three Diabrotica beetles." The correction states that the image of Figure 5 is the same as Figure 4 in the published proof, and the original article has been corrected. The data generated in the study are available from the corresponding author upon request. The publisher, Springer Nature, remains neutral regarding jurisdictional claims and institutional affiliations. The authors of the article are Zhenan Jin, Haoxiang Zhao, Xiaoqing Xian, Ming Li, Yuhan Qi, Jianyang Guo, Nianwan Yang, Zhichuang Lü, and Wanxue Liu. [Extracted from the article]

The effect of ZnO on the viscosity of the CaO-SiO2-ZnO-FeO-Al2O3 slags was measured using the rotating spindle method. The slag viscosity decreases continuously with increasing ZnO content from 0 wt.% to 20 wt.%. The breaking temperature (TBk) of the slag is lowered by the initial addition of ZnO, whereas it increases suddenly when the ZnO content reaches 20 wt.%. The phase equilibrium of the slag, determined from the x-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and thermodynamic calculations using Factsage™ 6.4, shows that SiO2 is prone to combine with ZnO to form willemite, and the crystallization capacity of the slag increases with ZnO addition. Furthermore, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy analyses reveal that the degree of polymerization (DOP) of the as-quenched slags decreases with increasing ZnO content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Secondary copper smelting is an effective means of treating waste resources. During the smelting process, the viscous behavior of the smelting slags is essential for smooth operation. Therefore, the effects of Fe/SiO2 ratio and Fe2O3 contents on the viscous behavior of the FeO−Fe2O3−SiO2−8 wt%CaO−3 wt%MgO−3 wt%Al2O3 slag system were investigated. The slag viscosity and activation energy for viscous flow decrease with increasing Fe/SiO2 from 0.8 to 1.2, and increase as the Fe2O3 content increases from 4 wt% to 16 wt% at Fe/SiO2 ratio of 1.2. However, under the conditions of Fe/SiO2 of 0.8 and 1.0, the viscosity and activation energy for viscous flow show a minimum value at Fe2O3 content of 12 wt%. Fe2O3 exhibits amphoteric properties. In addition, the increase in Fe2O3 content raises the breaking temperature of the slag, while the Fe/SiO2 ratio has the opposite effect. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy show that increases in Fe/SiO2 ratio lead to simplification of the silicate network structure, while increases in Fe2O3 content improves the formability of the network. This study provides theoretical support for the related research and application of secondary copper smelting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:In 2009, severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) was identified as a novel member of the genus phlebovirus in the Bunyaviridae family in China. The detailed clinical features of cases with SFTSV infection have not been well described, and the risk factors for severity among patients and fatality among severe patients remain to be determined. Methodology/Principal Findings:Clinical and laboratory features of 115 hospitalized patients with SFTSV infection during the period from June 2010 to December 2011 in Northeast China were retrospectively reviewed. We assessed the risk factors associated with severity in confirmed cases and fatality in severe cases by multivariate analysis. One hundred and three (89.6%) of 115 patients presented with multiple organ dysfunction, and 22 (19.1%) of 115 proceeded to the stage of life threatening multiple organ failure. Of the 115 patients, 14 fatalities (12.2%) were reported. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the independent predictors of risk for severity were: albumin ≤30 g/l (OR, 8.09; 95% CI, 2.58-25.32), APTT ≥ 66 seconds (OR, 14.28; 95% CI, 3.28-62.24), sodium ≤130 mmol/l (OR, 5.44; 95% CI, 1.38-21.40), and presence of neurological manifestations (OR, 7.70; 95% CI, 1.91-31.12). Among patients with severe disease, presence of acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome (HR, 4.59; 95% CI, 1.48–14.19) and disseminated intravascular coagulation (HR, 4.24; 95% CI, 1.38–13.03) were independently associated with fatality. Conclusions/Significance:SFTSV infection may present with more severe symptoms and laboratory abnormalities than hitherto reported. Due to infection with a novel bunyavirus, the patients may sufferer multiple organ dysfunction and die of multiple organ failure. In the clinical assessment of any case of SFTS, independent factors relating to prognosis need to be taken into account by clinicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]