Typification of the name Arthopyreniaparolinii Beltr. (Ascomycota, Dothideomycetes, Pleosporales, Arthopyreniaceae).

Arthopyreniaparolinii Beltr. is one of the few species of the lichen genus Arthopyrenia A. Massal. described by Italian authors of the XIX century, lacking type formal association. In this regard, the name Arthopyreniaparolinii is hereby lectotypified using a specimen stored in the lichen herbarium of A.B. Massalongo at VER. Additional original material was found only at M, while another specimen at MSNVE, labelled as Spermatodiumparolinii, although referable to this species, should not be considered as original material. Arthopyreniaparolinii is among the least well-known species in the genus. Given the genus Arthopyrenia is still very poorly known, it is important to clarify the original material of the species and propose the lectotyping. The selected lectotype is the only sample among the analyzed ones reporting complete data on the locus classicus; it conforms to the characters described in the protologue and comes from the Herbarium Beltramini.

An experience of data quality evaluation in pollen monitoring activities.

In this work we report the results of some quality control tests performed on laboratory procedures referring to aerobiological monitoring activities between 2005 and 2007. In every test, the results of each operator have been compared with the scores of a group of experts. For quality evaluation, we have used accuracy and precision to define the percentage error for identification of taxa and counts of pollen grains. Cohen's K has been estimated for the analysis of reliability. This work suggests a method to set up an intercalibration test for airborne pollen monitoring and to introduce the suitableness of measurement quality objectives (MQOs). The results show the important role of operators' training and the need for standards in pollen monitoring quality evaluation.

Lichen colonization in the city of Turin (N Italy) based on current and historical data.

The results of a study carried out to assess current environmental quality by the diversity of epiphytic lichens in the urban area of Turin (N Italy), and comparison with historical data spanning over a period of 200 years, are presented. Lichen assemblages over different time periods are related to changes in environmental conditions and the present situation is improving, as shown by increased numbers of both species and thalli in the city. Today, NO(x) and total suspended particles are the main air pollutants affecting lichen diversity.

Evaluation of data quality in lichen biomonitoring studies: the Italian experience.

A total of 65 operators involved in lichen mapping studies in central and northwestern Italy underwent quality control tests during five lichen biomonitoring workshops organized between 1999 and 2000. The results showed that 75% quantitative accuracy and 90% quantitative precision can be regarded as satisfactory levels for lichen biodiversity data; 65% proved to be sufficient for accuracy of taxonomic identification in the field. Average correct assignment of the interpretative naturality/alteration class was only 48.7%. The results indicated the need for taxonomic training.