Human-modified habitats imperil ornamented dragonflies less than their non-ornamented counterparts at local, regional, and continental scales.

Biologists have long wondered how sexual ornamentation influences a species' risk of extinction. Because the evolution of condition-dependent ornamentation can reduce intersexual conflict and accelerate the fixation of advantageous alleles, some theory predicts that ornamented taxa can be buffered against extinction in novel and/or stressful environments. Nevertheless, evidence from the wild remains limited. Here, we show that ornamented dragonflies are less vulnerable to extinction across multiple spatial scales. Population-occupancy models across the Western United States reveal that ornamented species have become more common relative to non-ornamented species over >100 years. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that ornamented species exhibit lower continent-wide extinction risk than non-ornamented species. Finally, spatial analyses of local dragonfly assemblages suggest that ornamented species possess advantages over non-ornamented taxa at living in habitats that have been converted to farms and cities. Together, these findings suggest that ornamented taxa are buffered against contemporary extinction at local, regional, and continental scales.

Distribution models of baleen whale species in the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone to inform management and conservation.

Irish waters are under increasing pressure from anthropogenic sources including the development of offshore renewable energy, vessel traffic and fishing activity. Spatial planning requires robust datasets on species distribution and the identification of important habitats to inform the planning process. Despite limited survey effort, long-term citizen science data on whale presence are available and provide an opportunity to fill information gaps. Using presence-only data as well as a variety of environmental variables, we constructed seasonal ensemble species distribution models based on five different algorithms for minke whales, fin whales, humpback whales, sei whales, and blue whales. The models predicted that the coastal waters off the south and west of Ireland are particularly suitable for minke, fin and humpback whales. Offshore waters in the Porcupine Seabight area were identified as a relevant habitat for fin whales, sei whales and blue whales. We combined model outputs with data on maritime traffic, fishing activity and offshore wind farms to measure the exposure of all the species to these pressures, identifying areas of concern. This study serves as a baseline for the species presence in Irish waters over the last two decades to help develop appropriate marine spatial plans in the future.

Extracting secondary data from citizen science images reveals host flower preferences of the Mexican grass-carrying wasp Isodontia mexicana in its native and introduced ranges.

We investigated the plant-pollinator interactions of the Mexican grass-carrying wasp Isodontia mexicana-native to North America and introduced in Europe in the 1960s-through the use of secondary data from citizen science observations. We applied a novel data exchange workflow from two global citizen science platforms, iNaturalist and Pl@ntNet. Images from iNaturalist of the wasp were used to query the Pl@ntNet application to identify possible plant species present in the pictures. Simultaneously, botanists manually identified the plants at family, genus and species levels and additionally documented flower color and biotic interactions. The goals were to calibrate Pl@ntNet's accuracy in relation to this workflow, update the list of plant species that I. mexicana visits as well as its flower color preferences in its native and introduced ranges. In addition, we investigated the types and corresponding frequencies of other biotic interactions incidentally captured on the citizen scientists' images. Although the list of known host plants could be expanded, identifying the flora from images that predominantly show an insect proved difficult for both experts and the Pl@ntNet app. The workflow performs with a 75% probability of correct identification of the plant at the species level from a score of 0.8, and with over 90% chance of correct family and genus identification from a score of 0.5. Although the number of images above these scores may be limited due to the flower parts present on the pictures, our approach can help to get an overview into species interactions and generate more specific research questions. It could be used as a triaging method to select images for further investigation. Additionally, the manual analysis of the images has shown that the information they contain offers great potential for learning more about the ecology of an introduced species in its new range.

An Observatory to monitor range extension of the Mediterranean monk seal based on its eDNA traces: collecting data and delivering results in the "Open Science" era.

The monk seal is the most endangered pinniped in the world and the only one found in the Mediterranean, where its distribution and abundance have suffered a drastic decline in the last few decades. Data on its status are scattered due to both its rarity and evasiveness and records are biased towards occasional, mostly coastal encounters. Nowadays, molecular techniques allow us to detect and quantify minute amounts of DNA traces released into the environment (eDNA) by any organism. A species-specific molecular assay is now available for detecting the recent presence of the monk seal in the water column through the analysis of sea-water samples collected from the sea surface. The project "Spot the Monk" uses this non-invasive detection tool to monitor monk seal occurrence in Mediterranean waters by means of eDNA analysis. The simplicity in the acquisition of samples together with the need to collect samples in multiple points simultaneously made the project well suited to the involvement of the general public. Up to today, about 350 samples have been collected and analysed in the central-western Mediterranean by researchers and a multifarious range of citizen scientists - from recreational sailing organisations, both amateur and competitive sportsmen, to fishermen. This work announces the launch of an open-source Observatory (https://www.spot-the-monk-observatory.com/) where the project outcomes are publicly accessible as soon as they are produced. Embracing the principles of Open Science, we believe that such an approach can contribute to filling the knowledge gap about the distribution of this charismatic species in our seas, providing, at the same time, a proof of concept on how data collected by a variety of actors can be returned to the scientific and non-scientific communities in an innovative format for immediate consultation.

Feeding en route: Prey availability and traits influence prey selection by an avian predator on migration.

During animal migration, ephemeral communities of taxa at all trophic levels co-occur over space and time. The interactions between predators and prey along migration corridors are ecologically and evolutionarily significant. However, these interactions remain understudied in terrestrial systems and warrant further investigations using novel approaches. We investigated the predator-prey interactions between a migrating avivorous predator and ephemeral avian prey community in the fall migration season. We tested for associations between avian traits and prey selection and hypothesized that prey traits (i.e. relative size, flocking behaviour, habitat, migration tendency and availability) would influence prey selection by a sexually dimorphic raptor on migration. To document prey consumption, we sampled trace prey DNA from beaks and talons of migrating sharp-shinned hawks Accipiter striatus (n = 588). We determined prey availability in the ephemeral avian community by extracting weekly abundance indices from eBird Status and Trends data. We used discrete choice models to assess prey selection and visualized the frequency of prey in diet and availability on the landscape over the fall migration season. Using eDNA metabarcoding, we detected prey species on 94.1% of the hawks sampled (n = 525/588) comprising 1396 prey species detections from 65 prey species. Prey frequency in diet and eBird relative abundance of prey species were correlated over the migration season for top-selected prey species, suggesting prey availability is an important component of raptor-songbird interactions during fall. Prey size, flocking behaviour and non-breeding habitat association were prey traits that significantly influenced predator choice. We found differences between female and male hawk prey selection, suggesting that sexual size dimorphism has led to distinct foraging strategies on migration. This research integrated field data collected by a volunteer-powered raptor migration monitoring station and public-generated data from eBird to reveal elusive predator-prey dynamics occurring in an ephemeral raptor-songbird community during fall migration. Understanding dynamic raptor-songbird interactions along migration routes remains a relatively unexplored frontier in animal ecology and is necessary for the conservation and management efforts of migratory and resident communities.

Durante la migración animal, las comunidades efímeras de taxones de todos los niveles tróficos coexisten en el espacio y el tiempo. Las interacciones entre depredadores y presas a lo largo de los corredores migratorios son significativas desde el punto de vista ecológica y evolutivo. Sin embargo, estas interacciones siguen siendo poco estudiadas en los sistemas terrestres y justifican más investigaciones utilizando enfoques novedosos. Investigamos las interacciones depredador­presa entre un depredador avívoro migratorio y una comunidad de presas aviares efímeras en la temporada migratoria otoñal. Probamos las asociaciones entre los rasgos de las aves y la selección de presas y planteamos la hipótesis de que los rasgos de las presas (tamaño relativo, comportamiento de bandada, hábitat, tendencia migratoria y disponibilidad) influirían en la selección de presas por parte de una rapaz sexualmente dimórfica durante la migración. Para documentar el consumo de presas, recogimos rastros de ADN de presas de picos y garras de Gavilán Americano Accipiter striatus (n = 588) migratorios. Determinamos la disponibilidad de presas en la comunidad de aves efímeras extrayendo índices de abundancia semanales de los datos de eBird Estado y Tendencias. Utilizamos modelos de elección discreta para evaluar la selección de presas y visualizamos la frecuencia de las presas en la dieta y la disponibilidad en el paisaje durante la temporada migratoria otoñal. Utilizando el metacódigo de barras del ADN ambiental, detectamos especies de presas en el 94,1% de los halcones muestreados (n = 525/588), comprendiendo 1396 detecciones de 65 especies de presas. La frecuencia de presas en la dieta y la abundancia relativa de especies de presas en eBird se correlacionaron a lo largo de la temporada de migración para las principales especies de presas seleccionadas, lo que sugiere que la disponibilidad de presas es un componente importante de las interacciones entre aves rapaces y aves canoras durante el otoño. El tamaño de las presas, el comportamiento de las bandadas y la asociación con el hábitat no reproductivo fueron rasgos de presa que influyeron significativamente en la elección de los depredadores. Encontramos diferencias entre la selección de presas de gavilán hembra y macho, lo que sugiere que el dimorfismo sexual de tamaño ha conducido a distintas estrategias de alimentación durante la migración. Esta investigación integró datos de campo recopilados por una estación de monitoreo de migración de rapaces impulsada por voluntarios y datos generados públicamente por eBird para revelar la esquiva dinámica depredador­presa que ocurre en una comunidad efímera de rapaces y aves canoras durante la migración otoñal. Comprender las interacciones dinámicas entre rapaces y aves canoras a lo largo de las rutas migratorias sigue siendo una frontera relativamente inexplorada en la ecología animal y es necesaria para los esfuerzos de conservación y gestión de las comunidades migratorias y residentes.

Establishing a standing patient advisory board in family practice research: A qualitative evaluation from patients' and researchers' perspectives.

INTRODUCTION: Patient and public involvement is vital for high-quality research. Integrating patients' and providers' perspectives early in research enhances the feasibility and relevance of study results. Within our family practice-based research network ForN, we established a standing patient advisory board (PAB) to include patients with diverse conditions and experiences. In this paper, we aim to describe the establishment and functioning of a standing PAB in family medicine research from patients' and researchers' perspectives. METHODS: After each PAB meeting, patients and researchers were asked to name anonymously positive and challenging moments in a feedback form with open questions. Researchers were also asked to reflect on how they implemented the discussion content in their research projects. The responses from both groups were transferred to MAXQDA 2018 and analyzed separately using thematic analysis. RESULTS: We analyzed 40 feedback forms from patients and 14 feedback forms from researchers. The dominant theme in the patients' feedback was 'exchange': They positively emphasized the 'exciting and open discussions' and the exchange of perspectives with one another and researchers. The clarity of the researchers' presentations and the research topics were appreciated. Researchers also positively highlighted the open atmosphere of the discussions. Presenting their research to the PAB helped most researchers reflect on their research topics from patients' perspectives and implement changes. However, researchers also mentioned several barriers to the implementation of PAB members' feedback. CONCLUSION: The establishment of a standing PAB in family practice research is feasible and productive both from patients' and researchers' perspectives. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: This study reports the evaluation of the establishment of a standing PAB in family practice research. Board members are involved in the design of studies, the co-production of interventions and information material, and the interpretation of data.

Catching some air: a method to spatially quantify aerial triazole resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus.

Airborne triazole-resistant spores of the human fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus are a significant human health problem as the agricultural use of triazoles has been selecting for cross-resistance to life-saving clinical triazoles. However, how to quantify exposure to airborne triazole-resistant spores remains unclear. Here, we describe a method for cost-effective wide-scale outdoor air sampling to measure both spore abundance as well as antifungal resistance fractions. We show that prolonged outdoor exposure of sticky seals placed in delta traps, when combined with a two-layered cultivation approach, can regionally yield sufficient colony-forming units (CFUs) for the quantitative assessment of aerial resistance levels at a spatial scale that was up to now unfeasible. When testing our method in a European pilot sampling 12 regions, we demonstrate that there are significant regional differences in airborne CFU numbers, and the triazole-resistant fraction of airborne spores is widespread and varies between 0 and 0.1 for itraconazole (∼4 mg/L) and voriconazole (∼2 mg/L). Our efficient and accessible air sampling protocol opens up extensive options for fine-scale spatial sampling and surveillance studies of airborne A. fumigatus.IMPORTANCEAspergillus fumigatus is an opportunistic fungal pathogen that humans and other animals are primarily exposed to through inhalation. Due to the limited availability of antifungals, resistance to the first choice class of antifungals, the triazoles, in A. fumigatus can make infections by this fungus untreatable and uncurable. Here, we describe and validate a method that allows for the quantification of airborne resistance fractions and quick genotyping of A. fumigatus TR-types. Our pilot study provides proof of concept of the suitability of the method for use by citizen-scientists for large-scale spatial air sampling. Spatial air sampling can open up extensive options for surveillance, health-risk assessment, and the study of landscape-level ecology of A. fumigatus, as well as investigating the environmental drivers of triazole resistance.

Protists in science communication.

Despite their high abundance and wide distribution in ecosystems, most protists remain unknown to the public. Although science communication approaches were developed in historical times to raise public awareness of these 'enigmatic' taxa, many aspects have not been considered in the spotlight of modern techniques. We present selected ideas and activities on how to attract the public to unicellular eukaryotes. We give examples of how protists can be included in educational work. We explain that trained non-experts can understand and teach others how to recognize protists, where they live, in which habitats they can be found, what they look like and why they are important. Consequently, members of the public can learn how environmental threats impact not only the lives of protists but also ours, e.g., by the accumulation of microplastics through an aquatic food web, up to fish used for human consumption. We suggest age-appropriate methods for application in workshops on protist recognition.

Pollen metabarcoding reveals the origin and multigenerational migratory pathway of an intercontinental-scale butterfly outbreak.

Migratory insects may move in large numbers, even surpassing migratory vertebrates in biomass. Long-distance migratory insects complete annual cycles through multiple generations, with each generation's reproductive success linked to the resources available at different breeding grounds. Climatic anomalies in these grounds are presumed to trigger rapid population outbreaks. Here, we infer the origin and track the multigenerational path of a remarkable outbreak of painted lady (Vanessa cardui) butterflies that took place at an intercontinental scale in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa from March 2019 to November 2019. Using metabarcoding, we identified pollen transported by 264 butterflies captured in 10 countries over 7 months and modeled the distribution of the 398 plants detected. The analysis showed that swarms collected in Eastern Europe in early spring originated in Arabia and the Middle East, coinciding with a positive anomaly in vegetation growth in the region from November 2018 to April 2019. From there, the swarms advanced to Northern Europe during late spring, followed by an early reversal toward southwestern Europe in summer. The pollen-based evidence matched spatiotemporal abundance peaks revealed by citizen science, which also suggested an echo effect of the outbreak in West Africa during September-November. Our results show that population outbreaks in a part of species' migratory ranges may disseminate demographic effects across multiple generations in a wide geographic area. This study represents an unprecedented effort to track a continuous multigenerational insect migration on an intercontinental scale.

Reconstruction of Population-Level Migration Trajectories of Black-Faced Spoonbill (Platalea minor) Based on Citizen Science Data.

Migration is a critical ecological process for birds. Understanding avian migratory routes is essential for identifying important stopover sites and key foraging areas to ensure high-quality stopovers for birds. The Black-faced Spoonbill (Platalea minor), a national Grade I protected wild animal in China, is classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Studying the migratory routes of the Black-faced Spoonbill and identifying critical stopover sites across different life histories is vital for its conservation. However, research on the migratory routes of this species has been very limited. This study, utilizing citizen science data and the Level-order-Minimum-cost-Traversal (LoMcT) algorithm, reconstructs the migratory trajectories of the Black-faced Spoonbill from 2018 to 2022. The results show that Wenzhou, Xiamen, Shantou, Shanwei, Hsinchu, Chiayi, and Tainan are significant stopovers for this species. The Black-faced Spoonbill is actively migratory during the migration season across the southeastern coastal region of China. The simulation results of this study reveal the migratory routes and activity patterns of the Black-faced Spoonbill, providing critical support for its conservation.

The changing landscape with respect to scientific research and education for second-level students and how they can overlap: the Kefir4All example.

Have you ever deeply considered the intersections between research and education, particularly for second-level students? Traditionally, the convergence of these two realms is most often noted when considering the integration of research findings into educational practices or the involvement of, typically a small number, of students in research activities. While these practices have demonstrated efficacy, the fields of scientific research and education are evolving rapidly, necessitating a reevaluation of how we can optimize their convergence. In our discourse, we delve into these evolving trends, uncover the potential for greater integration, and, ultimately, enhance outcomes using the citizen science initiative Kefir4All as an illustrative example.

Predictive modelling reveals Australian continental risk hotspots for marine debris interactions with key threatened species.

Anthropogenic debris is a global threat that impacts threatened species through various lethal and sub-lethal consequences, as well as overall ecosystem health. This study used a database of over 24,000 beach surveys of marine debris collated by the Australian Marine Debris Initiative from 2012 to 2021, with two key objectives: (1) identify variables that most influence the occurrence of debris hotspots on a continental scale and (2) use these findings to identify likely hotspots of interaction between threatened species and marine debris. The number of particles found in each beach survey was modelled alongside fifteen biological, social, and physical spatial variables including land use, physical oceanography, population, rainfall, distance to waste facilities, ports, and mangroves to identify the significant drivers of debris deposition. The model of best fit for predicting debris particle abundance was calculated using a generalized additive model. Overall, debris was more abundant at sites near catchments with high annual rainfall (mm), intensive land use (km2), and that were nearer to ports (km) and mangroves (km). These results support previous studies which state that mangroves are a significant sink for marine debris, and that large ports and urbanized catchments are significant sources for marine debris. We illustrate the applicability of these models by quantifying significant overlap between debris hotspots and the distributions for four internationally listed threatened species that exhibit debris interactions; green turtle (26,868 km2), dugong (16,164 km2), Australian sea lion (2903 km2) and Flesh-footed Shearwater (2413 km2). This equates to less than 1% (Flesh-footed Shearwater, Australian sea lion), over 2% (green sea turtle) and over 5% (dugong) of their habitat being identified as areas of high risk for marine debris interactions. The results of this study hold practical value, informing decision-making processes, managing debris pollution at continental scales, as well as identifying gaps in species monitoring.

Reading tea leaves worldwide: Decoupled drivers of initial litter decomposition mass-loss rate and stabilization.

The breakdown of plant material fuels soil functioning and biodiversity. Currently, process understanding of global decomposition patterns and the drivers of such patterns are hampered by the lack of coherent large-scale datasets. We buried 36,000 individual litterbags (tea bags) worldwide and found an overall negative correlation between initial mass-loss rates and stabilization factors of plant-derived carbon, using the Tea Bag Index (TBI). The stabilization factor quantifies the degree to which easy-to-degrade components accumulate during early-stage decomposition (e.g. by environmental limitations). However, agriculture and an interaction between moisture and temperature led to a decoupling between initial mass-loss rates and stabilization, notably in colder locations. Using TBI improved mass-loss estimates of natural litter compared to models that ignored stabilization. Ignoring the transformation of dead plant material to more recalcitrant substances during early-stage decomposition, and the environmental control of this transformation, could overestimate carbon losses during early decomposition in carbon cycle models.

Application of citizen science with the nationwide bird census.

Citizen science (CS) is the most effective tool for overcoming the limitations of government and/or professional data collection. To compensate for quantitative limitations of the 'Winter Waterbird Census of Korea', we conducted a total of four bird monitoring via CS from 2021 to 2022. To use CS data alongside national data, we studied CS data quality and improvement utilizing (1) digit-based analysis using Benford's law and (2) comparative analysis with national data. In addition, we performed bird community analysis using CS-specific data, demonstrating the necessity of CS. Neither CS nor the national data adhered to Benford's law. Alpha diversity (number of species and Shannon index) was lower, and total beta diversity was higher for the CS data than national data. Regarding the observed bird community, the number of species per family was similar; however, the number of individuals per family/species differed. We also identified the necessity of CS by confirming the possibility of predicting bird communities using CS-specific data. CS was influenced by various factors, including the perceptions of the survey participants and their level of experience. Therefore, conducting CS after systematic training can facilitate the collection of higher-quality data.

Inverting social innovation to transform health system responses to climate change adaptation and mitigation in the global south.

Systems thinking is aimed at understanding and solving complex problems that cut across sectors, an approach that requires accurate, timely, and multisectoral data. Citizen-driven big data can advance systems thinking, considering the widespread use of digital devices. Using digital platforms, data from these devices can transform health systems to predict and prevent global health crises and respond rapidly to emerging crises by providing citizens with real-time support. For example, citizens can obtain real-time support to help with public health risks via a digital app, which can predict evolving risks. These big data can be aggregated and visualized on digital dashboards, which can provide decision-makers with advanced data analytics to facilitate jurisdiction-level rapid responses to evolving climate change impacts (e.g., direct public health crisis communication). In the context of climate change, digital platforms can strengthen rapid responses by integrating information across systems (e.g., food, health, and social services) via citizen big data. More importantly, these big data can be used for rapid decision-making,a paradigm-changing approach that can invert social innovation, which we define as co-conceptualizing societal solutions with vulnerable communities to improve economic development with a focus on community wellbeing. However, to foster equitable and inclusive digital partnerships that invert social innovation, it is critical to avoid top-down approaches that sometimes result when researchers in the Global North and South collaborate. Equitable Global South-North partnerships can be built by combining digital citizen science and community-based participatory research to ethically leverage citizen-driven big data for rapid responses across international jurisdictions.

Fungi: friends or foes-an outreach science initiative for the collection of airborne fungal spores by high school students.

Fungi mostly reproduce through spores that are adapted for airborne dispersal; hence, fungal spores (and fungi) are found virtually everywhere. Fungi can be "friends or foes." Our friends include fungi used in the food and biotech industries, fungi that contribute to the cycling of carbon and nutrients, and those involved in the decontamination of polluted soils and/or water, to mention just a few examples. Many species, however, are foes-they are detrimental to plants, animals, and/or humans. Annually, >1.5 million people die due to invasive fungal infections. With the aim of enhancing microbiology literacy and the understanding of microbial concepts, we set up a project for the collection of airborne spores (the principal agent through which human airways are exposed to fungi). Students from five high schools in the Oeiras municipality partnered with us as citizen scientists; they carried out sampling by collecting fungal spores on adhesive stickers. The fungal spores collected by the students were subsequently processed in the schools and our research laboratory. Results obtained by the students themselves revealed a large variety of fungal species capable of growing in a rich medium at 30°C. In the research laboratory, using selective isolation conditions, 40 thermotolerant fungi were isolated, 32 of which were taxonomically identified as aspergilla, mostly from within the Aspergillus fumigatus taxa, yet exhibiting high genetic heterogeneity. The protocols and results were presented to the students, who were made aware of the local dispersal of airborne fungal spores, including some from potentially pathogenic fungi. Through carrying out scientific activities, the students developed both the interest and the self-confidence needed to implement future environmental investigations.

An ecologically sound and participatory monitoring network for pan-Arctic seabirds.

In a warming Arctic, circumpolar long-term monitoring programs are key to advancing ecological knowledge and informing environmental policies. Calls for better involvement of Arctic peoples in all stages of the monitoring process are widespread, although such transformation of Arctic science is still in its infancy. Seabirds stand out as ecological sentinels of environmental changes, and priority has been given to implement the Circumpolar Seabird Monitoring Plan (CSMP). We assessed the representativeness of a pan-Arctic seabird monitoring network focused on the black-legged kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla) by comparing the distribution of environmental variables for all known versus monitored colonies. We found that with respect to its spatiotemporal coverage, this monitoring network does not fully embrace current and future environmental gradients. To improve the current scheme, we designed a method to identify colonies whose inclusion in the monitoring network will improve its ecological representativeness, limit logistical constraints, and improve involvement of Arctic peoples. We thereby highlight that inclusion of study sites in the Bering Sea, Siberia, western Russia, northern Norway, and southeastern Greenland could improve the current monitoring network and that their proximity to local populations might allow increased involvement of local communities. Our framework can be applied to improve existing monitoring networks in other ecoregions and sociological contexts.

Una red de monitoreo participativa y ecológica para las aves marinas del Ártico Resumen En un Ártico cada vez más cálido, los programas circumpolares de monitoreo a largo plazo son importantes para potenciar el conocimiento ecológico e informar las políticas ambientales. Existe un llamado generalizado para involucrar de mejor manera a los pueblos árticos en el proceso de monitoreo, aunque dicha transformación de la ciencia ártica todavía está en desarrollo. Las aves marinas resaltan como centinelas del cambio ambiental y se ha priorizado implementar el Plan Circumpolar de Monitoreo de Aves Marinas (CSMP). Comparamos la distribución de las variables ambientales de todas las colonias conocidas de la gaviota tridáctila (Rissa tridactyla) contra las colonias monitoreadas para evaluar la representación de una red pan­ártica de monitoreo enfocada en esta especie. Encontramos que esta red de monitoreo no considera del todo los gradientes ambientales actuales y futuros con respecto a la cobertura espaciotemporal. Para mejorar el esquema actual, diseñamos un método para identificar las colonias cuya inclusión en la red de monitoreo mejorará su representación ecológica, limitará las restricciones logísticas e incrementará la participación de los pueblos árticos. Por lo tanto, resaltamos que la inclusión de los sitios de estudio en el Mar de Bering, Siberia, Rusia occidental, el norte de Noruega y el sureste de Groenlandia mejorarían la red actual de monitoreo. También destacamos que la proximidad de los sitios de estudio con las poblaciones locales podría permitir una mayor participación de estas. Nuestro marco puede aplicarse para mejorar las redes de monitoreo existentes en otros contextos socioecológicos y ecoregiones.

Long-term variation in exposure to NO2 concentrations in the city of Naples, Italy: Results of a citizen science project.

The objective of this study is to evaluate long-term changes in the level of exposure to NO2 among the population living in the urban area of Naples (south Italy). This has been achieved by integrating data from the regional reference monitoring network with information collected during the citizen science initiative called 'NO2, NO grazie!' conducted in February 2020 and coordinated by the Non-Governmental Organisation 'Cittadini per l'aria'. This citizen science campaign was based on low-cost passive samplers (Palmes tubes), providing the ability to obtain unprecedented high-resolution NO2 levels. Using a Land Use Random Forest (LURF), we extrapolated the experimental data obtained from the citizen science campaign and evaluated the changes in population exposure from 2013 to 2022 and the uncertainty associated with this assessment was quantified. The results indicate that a large proportion of the inhabitants of Naples are still exposed to high NO2 concentrations, even if strict emission containment measures are enforced. The average levels remain higher than the new interim and air quality targets suggested by the World Health Organisation. The implementation of co-created citizen science projects, where NGO and citizens actively participate alongside scientists, can significantly improve the estimation and the interpretation of official reference data.

Young people in iNaturalist: a blended learning framework for biodiversity monitoring.

Participation in authentic research in the field and online through Community and Citizen Science (CCS) has shown to bring learning benefits to volunteers. In online CCS, available platforms present distinct features, ranging from scaffolding the process of data collection, to supporting data analysis and enabling volunteers to initiate their own studies. What is yet not well understood is how best to design CCS programmes that are educational, inclusive, and accessible by diverse volunteers, including young people and those with limited prior science experiences who are rather few in CCS. In this study, we interviewed 31 young people, aged 7-20 years old, who used iNaturalist, an online biodiversity monitoring platform, and identified how different forms of participation online and in the field facilitated (or inhibited) certain forms of learning, as defined by the Environmental Science Agency framework. Findings revealed that iNaturalist enabled participation of young people including those with limited science experiences and facilitated science learning such as the development of science competence and understanding. A blended learning framework for biodiversity monitoring in CCS is presented as a means to support the development of hybrid, educational, and inclusive CCS programmes for young people.

Streptomyces phaeochromogenes BV-204, K-1115A Anthraquinone-Producing Strain: A New Protein Biosynthesis Inhibitor.

In the search for new antibiotics, it is a common occurrence that already known molecules are "rediscovered" while new promising ones remain unnoticed. A possible solution to this problem may be the so-called "target-oriented" search, using special reporter microorganisms that combine increased antibiotic sensitivity with the ability to identify a molecule's damaging effect. The use of such test organisms makes it possible to discover new promising properties even in known metabolites. In this study, we used a high-throughput screening method based on the pDualrep2 dual reporter system, which combines high sensitivity through the use of modified strains of test organisms and makes it possible to easily and accurately identify the interaction mechanisms of a substance and a bacterial cell at the initial stages of screening. This reporter system is unknown in Russia and is significantly superior to its global analogues. In the system, translation inhibition induces the expression of the fluorescent protein Katushka2s, while DNA damage is induced by TurboRFP. Using pDualrep2, we have isolated and described BV-204, an S. phaeochromogenes strain producing K-1115A, the biologically active substance that we have previously described. In our study, K-1115A for the first time has demonstrated antibiotic activity and an ability to inhibit bacterial translation, which was confirmed in vitro in a cell-free translation system for FLuc mRNA. K-1115A's antibacterial activity was tested and confirmed for S. aureus (MRSA) and B. subtilis, its cytotoxicity measured against that for the HEK293 cell line. Its therapeutic index amounted to 2 and 8, respectively. The obtained results open up prospects for further study of K-1115A; so, this can be regarded as the basis for the production of semi-synthetic derivatives with improved therapeutic properties to be manufactured in dosage forms.