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In this contribution we describe Brachistosternus diaguita n. sp. from the Argentinean central Andes, which is closely related to Brachistosternus montanus Roig-Alsina 1977, also from the same region. To corroborate reciprocal monophyly of the species, Bayesian inference was carried out on a selection of taxa, for which three mitochondrial (16S rDNA, 12SrDNA and COI) and two nuclear (28S rDNA and 18S rDNA) gene fragments had previously been sequenced for previous contributions on this genus by our group. Finally, we explored the potential distribution of Argentinean high Andean species of this genus using Maxent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of P and different metal elements on the formation of Ti/Zr conversion coatings on various electroless nickel-based coatings. Advanced surface analytical techniques, including X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, glow discharge optical emission spectrometry, and scanning Kelvin probe force microscope were utilized for comprehensive characterization. The results indicate that P in the electroless Ni-P plated coating had a minor impact on accelerating the formation process of the conversion coating by promoting nickel phosphate generation. However, the presence of Fe in the plating coating promotes the generation of nickel phosphate mainly by changing the potential distribution on the surface, which greatly facilitates the reaction for conversion coating formation. In addition, due to its higher activity compared to nickel, Fe participated in the redox reaction, resulting in a significant change in the composition and thickness of coating. Conversely, Cu did not participate in the redox reaction, but instead promoted the generation and thickening of the conversion coating by slightly changing the surface potential. These insights into the role of P, Fe, and Cu elements provide valuable knowledge for optimizing conversion coatings for specific applications, promising significant practical implications. [Display omitted] • Ti/Zr conversion coating was prepared on different electroless nickel-based alloys. • P in the plated coating is involved in the conversion coating generation reaction. • Fe and Cu alter the potential distribution to impacting the conversion coating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The distribution and morphology of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato varies with altitude, this adaptability can encourage the expansion and survival of the species, and consequently, the risk of transmitting infectious agents. • Identifying the tick lineage helps to know the distribution area and supports the geographical limit that is known so far of both lineages. • The ecological niche in which the species lives helps us to know the factors and conditions that favor the presence of this tick and this can be key to better understanding how they are distributed and what environmental variables influence their presence. Studies of morphological and genetic variation in vector populations across environmental gradients can help researchers to estimate species' responses to climate change scenarios and the potential risk of disease-causing pathogen expansion, which impacts negatively on human health. In this study, we analysed the effect of altitudinal gradients on the phenotypic response of the hard tick of medical and veterinary importance, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.). Specimens of R. sanguineus s.l. were collected from host animals in one of Mexico's regions with high climatic heterogeneity (Veracruz), and geometric morphometric theory was employed to assess the response of three morphological characters to the altitudinal gradient. Additionally, genetic similarity data were provided, and ecological niche models were used to project the climatic distribution in the region. Our results demonstrate that the shape and size of ticks respond to altitude. Molecular identification indicate that all analysed samples correspond to the tropical lineage recently named Rhipicephalus linnaei. According to ecological niche models, the mean annual temperature contributes significantly to the spatial distribution of this tick species, with areas of higher suitability in the mountainous region. These changes in morphological structure and the presence of ticks at higher altitudinal gradients suggest that R. linnaei has a high potential for adaptation. Due to the variability of ecosystems in the state of Veracruz, our results could be valuable in assessing the response of this tick in a changing environment, aiding in predicting future scenarios in the distribution and abundance of this species. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we used distribution models to predict the size of the environmentally suitable area for shrimps of fishing interest that were impacted by the tailing plume from the collapse of the Fundão Dam, one of the largest ecological disasters ever to occur in Brazil. Species distribution models (SDMs) were generated for nine species of penaeid shrimp that occurred in the impacted region. Average temperature showed the highest percentage of contribution for SDMs. The environmental suitability of penaeids varied significantly in relation to the distance to the coast and mouth river. The area of environmental suitability of shrimps impacted by tailings plumes ranged from 27 to 47 %. Notably, three protected areas displayed suitable conditions, before the disaster, for until eight species. The results obtained by the SDMs approach provide crucial information for conservation and restoration efforts of coastal biodiversity in an impacted region with limited prior knowledge about biodiversity distribution. • The distance from the coast and the river mouth affects the suitability of shrimps. • The tailings plume impacted extensive areas targeted by fishing activities. • Protected areas have environmental suitability for different sets of species. • SDMs provide insights when there is limited knowledge about species distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The dust-removal mechanism in a multi-electric field ESP is explored. • A multi-electric field ESP model with multi-field coupling effect is built. • The optimal voltage allocation reduces the energy consumption. • The PM2.5 collection efficiency with or without magnetic field is explored. • The best magnetic field introduction position promotes the dust removal performance. Improving the removal efficiency of PM2.5 particles is significant for the limitation of particle emissions from coal-fired power plants. This work reports a multiple electric field electrostatic precipitator (ESP) enhanced by magnetic confinement effect to efficiently remove PM2.5 particle from flue gas. Firstly, the electromagnetic dust removal mechanism of PM2.5 capture in multi-electric field ESPs is revealed, and the theoretical and numerical models of the multifield coupling under the effect of magnetic field are established. Secondly, the potential distribution law under different working voltages and the dust removal performance for PM2.5 are analyzed, and the magnetic field effect under the optimal voltage allocation is numerically simulated. Finally, the best magnetic field introduction position under the optimal voltage allocation is investigated. The numerical results show that the optimal voltage allocation and the best magnetic field position are determined to achieve the full effect of magnetic field to improve the PM2.5 dust removal efficiency in the multi-electric field ESP under the premise of ensuring the decrease of voltage load. The relevant results can provide ideas and references for greatly reducing PM2.5 emissions and voltage power consumption in thermal power plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar radiation must be concentrated before irradiating hot sides in solar thermoelectric generators (STEGs) to increase the temperature difference between hot and cold sides and thus enhance output performance. However, concentrated solar radiation is often nonuniform. This condition affects the output performance of STEGs. Herein, a thermal–electric coupled model of STEGs was constructed to investigate the thermoelectric performance of STEGs under nonuniform solar radiation. Results demonstrate that when the concentration ratio is low, increasing nonuniformity facilitates the increase in the output power of STEGs. When the concentration ratio is 60, output power increases by a maximum of 3.05 %, whereas the average temperature difference decreases by 4.44 K. When the concentration ratio is high, STEG output power peaks under a specific nonuniformity, and some thermoelectric legs at the edges of STEGs turn into load, affecting the overall STEG output performance. When the cold-side cooling performance is poor, the solar radiation input to STEGs should be made as uniform as possible to ensure the output performance and safe operation of STEGs. The results of this study provide guidance for the design of efficient STEGs. • STEG model considering non-uniform radiation is established. • Non-uniform radiation increases efficiency by 3.05 % at concentration ratio of 60. • There is a non-uniform radiation distribution to maximize efficiency. • Heat transfer at the cold side should be enhanced under non-uniform radiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Impacts of climate and land use change on the distribution of ticks were explored. • A model of different ticks showed diverse sensitivities to environmental factors. • The future distribution probability decreased under the scenario SSP5-RCP8.5. • The future potential distribution of ticks shifted further north in China. Ticks are known as vectors of several pathogens causing various human and animal diseases including Lyme borreliosis, tick-borne encephalitis, and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever. While China is known to have more than 100 tick species well distributed over the country, our knowledge on the likely distribution of ticks in the future remains very limited, which hinders the prevention and control of the risk of tick-borne diseases. In this study, we selected four representative tick species which have different regional distribution foci in mainland China. i.e., Dermacentor marginatus , Dermacentor silvarum , Haemaphysalis longicornis and Ixodes granulatus. We used the MaxEnt model to identify the key environmental factors of tick occurrence and map their potential distributions in 2050 under four combined climate and socioeconomic scenarios (i.e., SSP1-RCP2.6, SSP2-RCP4.5, SSP3-RCP7.0 and SSP5-RCP8.5). We found that the extent of the urban fabric, cropland and forest, temperature annual range and precipitation of the driest month were the main determinants of the potential distributions of the four tick species. Under the combined scenarios, with climate warming, the potential distributions of ticks shifted to further north in China. Due to a decrease in the extent of forest, the distribution probability of ticks declined in central and southern China. In contrast with previous findings on an estimated amplification of tick distribution probability under the extreme emission scenario (RCP8.5), our studies projected an overall reduction in the distribution probability under RCP8.5, owing to an expected effect of land use. Our results could provide new data to help identify the emerging risk areas, with amplifying suitability for tick occurrence, for the prevention and control of tick-borne zoonoses in mainland China. Future directions are suggested towards improved quantity and quality of the tick occurrence database, comprehensiveness of factors and integration of different modelling approaches, and capability to model pathogen spillover at the human-tick interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The study can guide integrated vector management programs for leishmaniasis, targeting surveillance and control measures more effectively. • By understanding how potential distributions change with climatic anomalies, health agencies can anticipate outbreaks and adjust strategies accordingly. • The research provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics of vector-borne disease transmission under varying climatic conditions. • It highlights the need for comprehensive approaches that consider both host and vector species and their interactions in disease management. • The study's findings can inform policy decisions and resource allocation for disease prevention and control. Leishmaniasis is a zoonotic disease transmitted to humans by a protozoan parasite through sandfly vectors and multiple vertebrate hosts. The Pan American Health Organization reported a declining trend in cases, with Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Nicaragua, and Bolivia having the most cases in 2020. There are still knowledge gaps in transmission and the parasite-host relationship. Ecological niche modeling has been used to study host-vector relationships, disease dynamics, and the impact of climate change. Understanding these aspects can aid in early surveillance and vector control strategies. The potential distribution of five host species associated with the transmission of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) was modeled. Occurrence data were collected for each host species, and environmental variables were used to build the models. Climatic data from El Niño, La Niña, and Neutral episodes were used to compare the predicted distributions. Additionally, the potential distributions of four vector species were compared to identify overlaps with host species. Niche analysis was conducted to evaluate changes in vector niches across episodes and to identify host-vector pairs based on niche overlap in geographic and environmental spaces. After spatial thinning, 467 records were obtained, and 1,190 candidate models were evaluated for each species. Results showed the distribution of occurrences in the environmental space, highlighting a high risk of extrapolation beyond the calibration areas. Movement-Oriented Parity analysis revealed distinct distribution patterns under different climate conditions, with areas of environmental similarity identified. Bradypus variegatus exhibited a broad potential distribution, while Dasypus novemcinctus and Didelphis marsupialis had more restricted ranges. Sylvilagus braziliensis covered most of the Neotropics. Our study provides valuable insights into ecological niches and geographic ranges of these species, contributing to the understanding of cutaneous leishmaniasis transmission dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Two models were used to predict the potential distribution of Ae. albopictus in China. • The future bioclimatic variables were under the SSP1–2.6. • The range of Ae. albopictus in China is predicted to expand westwards. Aedes albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae) is one of the 100 most invasive species in the world and represents a significant threat to public health. The distribution of Ae. albopictus has been expanding rapidly due to increased international trade, population movement, global warming and accelerated urbanization. Consequently, it is very important to know the potential distribution area of Ae. albopictus in advance for early warning and control of its spread and invasion. We randomly selected 282 distribution sites from 27 provincial-level administrative regions in China, and used the GARP and MaxEnt models to analyze and predict the current and future distribution areas of Ae. albopictus in China. The results showed that the current range of Ae. albopictus in China covers most provinces such as Yunnan and Guizhou Provinces, and the distribution of Ae. albopictus in border provinces such as Tibet, Gansu and Jilin Provinces tend to expand westwards. In addition, the potential distribution area of Ae. albopictus in China will continue to expand westwards due to future climate change under the SSP126 climate scenario. Furthermore, the results of environmental factor filtering showed that temperature and precipitation had a large effect on the distribution probability of Ae. albopictus. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Wild boars produce negative impacts in South America. • Ecological niche modelling was used to predict potential wild boar distribution in South America. • Most ecoregions in South America have suitable conditions to sustain wild boar populations. • Suitable area occupied 85% of Atlantic Forest and 61.3% of Cerrado biodiversity hotspots. • An alarming large number of protected areas are currently or potentially affected by the species. • Control measures should be adopted to control wild boar impacts on biodiversity. Wild pigs, including wild boar (Sus scrofa) and feral domestic pig (Sus scrofa domestica), are associated with negative impacts in their native and introduced ranges. We compiled wild pig occurrence reports and utilized Maximum Entropy modelling to predict their potential distribution in ecoregions overlaying Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Uruguay and Paraguay. An analysis of their observed and potential distributions was carried out in relation to four biodiversity hotspots and 3766 protected areas to estimate the number of units and percent area currently and potentially invaded. Among biodiversity hotspots, Atlantic Forest, Cerrado, and Chilean Winter Rainfall-Valdivian Forests included 44.7% of wild pig records. The proportion of suitable area was 85% in Atlantic Forest, 61.3% in Cerrado, 37.5% in Chilean Winter Rainfall-Valdivian Forests, and 5.6% in Tropical Andes. The number of protected areas with known wild pig presence was led by Uruguay (100%), followed by Chile (20.3%), Argentina (15.8%), Paraguay (9.5%), Bolivia (6.5%), and Brazil (4.7%). The proportion of protected areas with predicted wild pig presence was highest in Uruguay (100%), followed by Paraguay (72.6%), Brazil (58.0%), Argentina (57.4%), Chile (42.2%), and Bolivia (35.9%). Our work represents the first assessment of wild pig potential distribution in South America and highlights the potentially devastating impacts of wild pigs on the regional biodiversity and national conservation targets, especially at mega-diverse areas. We present a dynamic web application that can be readily consulted by scientists, managers and decision makers to improve wild pig control and risk mitigation actions in the study region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes an electrochemical chloride extraction (ECE) model for cement-based materials that considers coupled multi-ion transport, adsorption and dissolution. Then ECE tests were designed and conducted to validate the proposed ECE model. Based on the proposed ECE model, parametric studies were conducted. Parametric studies show that the chloride binding capacity of cement pastes depends heavily on the contents of aluminate ferrite monosulfate (AFm) and alumina ferrite tri-sulfate (AFt). Moreover, the content compositions of free, absorbed and chemically-bound chloride ions vary with the types of chloride salts, i.e., the cations in the chloride salts. Moreover, temperatures within the range between 5 °C and 40 °C pose negligible influences on the ECE process. Current densities and durations are the most influential factors affecting the ECE process, which are thus the main parameters to be determined for the design of ECE. In addition, the chloride ion content distributions are bell curves during the ECE process and peaks exist within the concrete cover. Therefore, it is recommended to adopt three chloride ion contents as controlling indexes for the ECE process, i.e., 1) the chloride ion content at the surface of steel bars, 2) the average chloride ion content within the concrete cover and 3) the peak chloride ion content within the concrete cover. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Electrochemical impedance of porous electrodes. • Investigation of relationship between pore shape and electrochemical impedance. • 3D simulation using finite element method showing potential distributions. • Inclination angle of impedance spectrum increases for shallow pores. • Inclination angle observable with simulated porous enzyme electrodes. Porous electrodes are widely used in many applications, such as enzyme electrodes, energy devices, and electrosynthesis. However, evaluation of porous electrodes using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, one of the most promising methods for determining electrochemically relevant structural information, is challenging. Thus, in this study, impedance spectra were simulated using a three-dimensional, finite element method-based model for porous electrodes. The shape of the electrode pore was varied, and the effect on the resulting impedance spectrum was analyzed. The results indicated that for certain pore shapes, such as wide and shallow cylinders, a three-dimensional model was required to obtain accurate results. However, for narrow and deep cylindrical pores, a classical one-dimensional approximation was sufficiently accurate, and a 45º inclined line was observed in the impedance spectra with high frequencies, even when a three-dimensional model was employed. Moreover, wide and shallow or narrowing pores result in a higher inclination angle, whereas widening or branching pores result in a lower inclination angle. These features were also observed when charge transfer and diffusion processes were considered in terms of a mediator-type enzyme electrode reaction. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ornithodoros ticks as vectors of pathogens have had serious implications on public health. In China, these ticks are mainly distributed among arid and semiarid areas of the northwest. To improve prevention and risk control of such tick-borne diseases, suitable habitats for four Ornithodoros tick species found in China were predicted using a Maxent model. These habitats were identified based on the global geographic distributions that the tick is known to inhabit. For this study, literature reviews were conducted for each Ornithodoros species at a global level based on published studies and available online databases. Study results showed that high species suitability was primarily concentrated in northwest China for the species Ornithodoros lahorensis , O. papillipes , and O. tartakovskyi , with O. capensis limited to a predicted distribution along the coast in southeastern China. Under future climate conditions Representative Concentration Pathway scenario 4.5 and 8.5, suitable habitats for O. lahorensis , O. papillipes , and O. tartakovskyi were predicted to shift and would likely increase the potential of the species to spread, and O. capensis would reduce compared with the current climatic conditions. For all four species, temperature and precipitation were the main variables influencing distribution. • Northwest China was high species suitability areas for Ornithodoros. • O. capensis limited to a predicted distribution along the coast in southeastern China. • Using atmospheric and ground-derived data to assess the environmental niche. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, differences in intermolecular interactions between the two positional hetero-substituents-aromatic isomers i.e. 4-hydroxycoumarin (4-HC) and 7-hydroxycoumarin (7-HC) are studied by terahertz (THz) spectroscopy and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Combining the THz spectra with potential energy distribution (PED) results to analyze characteristic absorption peaks and vibrational modes, we found that the characteristic absorption peaks of 4-HC and 7-HC are dominated by intermolecular interactions, including electrostatic interactions and van der Waals (vdW) interactions. Comparing the electrostatic potential (ESP) and vdW potential distribution between 4-HC and 7-HC, we deduced that the differences in the THz spectra can be possibly attributed to the difference in vibrational modes and intermolecular hydrogen bonds between 4-HC and 7-HC due to the different position of hydroxyl group. Results demonstrate that THz spectroscopy combined with the above analysis methods is an effective way to analyse intermolecular interactions and identify biomolecules with similar structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Aimed to identify global susceptible regions to smooth cordgrass invasion. • Characterized climatic niche dynamics at spatial and temporal scales. • Observed significant climatic niche expansion with a short lag period. • Future range expansion predicted with marginal climate change. • Mangroves and protected areas are at risk to ongoing and future invasions. Introduction and spread of the halophyte Spartina alterniflora is one of the largest continental-scale biological invasion events in Asia and the Americas. Rapid globalization and broad environmental tolerance of the species increase the chance of novel invasions. Thus, we aimed to identify susceptible regions to inform prevention and control activities. A comprehensive global occurrence dataset and corresponding bioclimatic variables were used to characterize the species' climatic niche and predict current and future potential distributions. Conservatism of climatic niche between native and non-native ranges was tested, and climatic niche dynamics were analysed at spatial and temporal scales. The ensemble of eight species distribution models and eight climate change models was used to map the potential distribution of S. alterniflora under current and future climate conditions. We investigated the susceptibility of threatened ecosystems like mangroves and protected areas to S. alterniflora invasion to better inform management decisions. Our study revealed wide climatic tolerance and significant niche expansion of the species from humid regions of its native range to dry and arid environments of its non-native range with a very short lag period. With a marginal increase in temperature and precipitation in the future, range expansion was predicted towards higher latitude and more inland areas. The mangroves area, salt marshes, and protected areas that are at risk of ongoing and future invasions were identified. Given the invasion potential of S. alterniflora , the areas identified as climatically susceptible for the species' establishment, both in current and future climates, should be prioritized for management actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change and human activities have caused the degeneration of the natural habitats of medicinal plants. Mentha pulegium L. is one of the most common medicinal plants in Tunisia that features high economic and ecological values. Predicting species' suitable habitats, through modeling, has evolved as a useful tool for the assessment of resource conservation to protect medicinal plants. Herein, we used MaxEnt model to predict current and future distributions of M. pulegium under two representative concentration pathways (RCP2.6 and RCP8.5) for the years 2050 and 2070. MaxEnt modeling was in the "Excellent" category since all the AUCs were above 0.9. Results showed that high and moderate suitable habitats for the current distribution of M. pulegium encompassed ca. 9929 km2 and 16,423 km2, respectively. These areas are mainly located in North Tunisia. Precipitation of the coldest quarter (Bio19) was identified as the most critical factor shaping M. pulegium distribution. Compared to the current distribution, the highly and moderately suitable areas for M. pulegium under the two RCPs (RCP2.6 and RCP8.5) would decrease in the 2050s and 2070s. The model projected a shift of the suitable area from Northeastward to Center-eastward. These results may provide a useful tool for developing adaptive management strategies to enhance M. pulegium protection and sustainable utilization in the context of global climate change. • Maxent modeling was used to predict current and future distributions of Mentha pulegium L. in Tunisia. • Precipitation of the coldest quarter was the most critical factor shaping M. pulegium distribution. • The most suitable areas for M. pulegium are mainly located in North Tunisia. • The predicted suitable area will decrease in the 2050s and 2070s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We solve analytically a three-dimensional Poisson equation for the potential produced by two coaxial metallic contacts at the edges of the Corbino disk. It is assumed that there is a finite tangential current, while the radial current is absent. This solution is compared with a solution of the two-dimensional problem for conducting Corbino disk. We calculate the magnetic dipole moment of Corbino disk and compare our results with the case of two-dimensional Coulomb distribution of the potential which is realized in Corbino disk in the presence of the radial current. We also discuss the application of torque magnetometry to study metal–insulator transition, in particular, in the quantum Hall regime. [Display omitted] • Radially insulating Corbino disk. • Two-dimensional vs three-dimensional Coulomb potential. • Magnetic moment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The vibrational spectra of coumarin and 6-methylcoumarin clusters were measured by THz-TDS system. • The vibrational modes of the clusters were analyzed based on DFT calculations. • The origins of the vibrational spectra were explained by potential energy distribution of electrostatic and vdW. The terahertz (THz) absorption spectra of coumarin and 6-methylcoumarin have been investigated by terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) system in the frequency range from 0.4 to 2.8 THz. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations, both with and without London force dispersion corrections, have been used for the assignment of the experimental THz spectra. To thoroughly interpret the spectrum information, we used potential energy distribution (PED) method to assign the vibrational modes of the absorption peaks, and identify the origin of the absorption peaks by electrostatic potential (ESP) and van der Waals (vdW) potential distribution analysis method. The results show that absorption peaks both for coumarin and 6-methylcoumarin are caused by electrostatic interaction in the lower frequency range, while vdW interaction in the higher frequency. Moreover, the potential energy distribution of electrostatic and vdW between them is basically the same, and it led to the similarity of THz spectra between coumarin and 6-MC. This work has demonstrated that using THz spectroscopy combined with DFT calculations is an effective way to analysis of intermolecular weak interactions and biomolecules with similar structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The climate suitability of cotton distribution is mapped using MaxEnt model. • The areas of improved climatic suitability comprised 38.08 % of the entire country. • Cotton production moved northward and expanded westward. • Consistency between climate suitability and production showed a decreasing trend. Understanding the varying distribution of climate-suitable areas of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) can greatly aid in optimizing distribution of cotton production and sustainable production. Based on occurrence records, national meteorological data and the maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model (a species distribution model), we investigated for the first time the interdecadal variations in climate-suitable areas of cotton with changing climate in China from 1961 to 2017. Then, the gravity center and concentration index were employed to investigate the spatial-temporal variations of cotton production. The results revealed the dominant meteorological predictors affecting climate suitability of cotton to be ≥ 28℃ accumulated maximum temperature from April to October, average temperature in the warmest month, continuous days with daily average temperature ≥15 ℃ and annual precipitation days. The climate optimum areas were generally distributed in the eastern and northern parts of the Huanghe Valley and Northwest Inland cotton regions, respectively. The climatic suitability of cotton has increased in China in recent decades. In particular, the areas of improved climatic suitability of cotton encompassed 38.08 % of the whole country from the 1960s to 2010s. This increase was concentrated in the Huanghe Valley and Northwest Inland cotton regions. The distribution of climate-suitable areas moved northward and expanded westward. Meanwhile, the gravity center of the cotton production moved to the northwest at a distance of approximately 1283 km from 1985 to 2015. Although both the production and distribution of climate-suitable areas of cotton shifted towards the northwest, the proportions of inconsistency between planting areas and climate-suitable areas increased from 22.76 % in the 1980s to 32.38 % in the 2010s. The increasing planting acreage in areas of low climate suitability may pose a risk to cotton production, especially in emerging major planting areas of the Northwest Inland cotton region. The results of the present study can provide a theoretical reference for the optimization of planting distribution and ensure the sustainable production of the cotton industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The potential distribution of leishmaniasis vectors responds dynamically to the effects of el niño–southern oscillation (ENSO) cycle. • Climatic information derived from remotely sensed data facilitates the development of distribution models at short timescales compatible to the duration of the ENSO cycle episodes. • The occurrence of el niño and la niña episodes modifies the potential distributions of ACL vectors, reducing their extension compared to the neutral conditions. The potential distribution of four American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis vectors under average conditions during Neutral (in between episodes), El Niño, and La Niña episodes from 2000 to 2018 were constructed through ecological niche modeling. The potential distribution in El Niño and La Niña were compared with the Neutral distribution. The four vector species (Lutzomyia gomezi, Lutzomyia ovallesi, Lutzomyia panamensis, and Lutzomyia trapidoi) decreased the potential distribution with the occurrence of El Niño and La Niña episodes. During El Niño, the reduction was concentrated over the dry ecosystems, while with the occurrence of La Niña, the potential distribution decreased over most of the Neotropic, leaving areas of climatic suitability concentrated in the Andean and Amazon areas, along with some scattered patches. We found evidence that the occurrence of the climatic anomalies has an effect on the potential distribution of this vector species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amblyomma mixtum is a Neotropical generalist tick of medical and veterinary importance which is widely distributed from United States of America to Ecuador. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in the geographic projections of the ecological niche models of A. mixtum in climate change scenarios in America. We constructed a database of published scientific publications, personal collections, personal communications, and online databases. Ecological niche modelling was performed with 15 Bioclimatic variables using kuenm in R and was projected to three time periods (Last Glacial Maximum, Current and 2050) for America. Our model indicated a wide distribution for A. mixtum, with higher probability of occurrence along the Gulf of Mexico and occurring in a lesser proportion in the Pacific states, Central America, and the northern part of South America. The areas of new invasion are located mainly on the border of Mexico with Guatemala and Belize, some regions of Central America and Colombia. We conclude that the ecological niche modelling are effective tools to infer the potential distribution of A. mixtum in America, in addition to helping to propose future measures of epidemiological control and surveillance in the new potential areas of invasion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Design profiled anodes to improve the uniformity of current distribution in the molecular-plating of actinide compounds. • A finite element model was utilized to optimize the setup of the anodes and the cell for high-quality plating layer. • Based on the simulations, the inhomogeneity of the molecular-plating actinide layer was decreased to 2.08% experimentally. A homogeneous thin film of actinide oxides on a metal substrate is very important for nuclear analysis. Compared with physical deposition methods, molecular plating attracts considerable attention because of its wide applicability, high utilization rate, and low consumption of actinide compounds. Distinct from conventional electroplating, molecular plating is generally performed in an organic solvent without additional supporting electrolyte except for dissolved actinide compounds. The potential distribution and the mass transfer processes are crucial for achieving high purity and uniform thickness. Because actinides are rare resources, it is essential to set up a theoretical model to ensure the controllable fabrication of actinide targets. For these, we design a profiled rotating electrode made using platinum-covered titanium wire (Pt-Ti) as the anode, and we simulate the potential and current distribution between the profiled Pt-Ti anode and the aluminum cathode by finite element analysis, considering factors such as the electrode shape, the rotation rate, the anode-cathode distance, etc. The theoretical model is accurate, and the wafer-scale actinide targets are fabricated with high quality and high efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]