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Protocol for assessing the impacts of the insecticide Mospilan SG (acetamiprid) and the fungicide Folicur (tebuconazole) and their combination on the solitary bees Osmia bicornis and O. brevicornis under semi-field conditions
No full textPesticide effect studies on pollinators focus predominantly on the Western honeybee, Apis mellifera, which is also the only species for which EU regulations require risk assessment. Reliance on A. mellifera as the only model species for pollinators has been widely criticized, as its life history traits may lead to differences in pesticide sensitivity and exposure compared to other species. Therefore, current guidelines by EFSA recommend testing also on bumblebees and solitary bees, which has been done in practice almost exclusively on the generalist species Bombus terrestris and Osmia bicornis. Oligolectic bee species remain largely overlooked, which is concerning as they have experienced greater range reductions than generalist species. In addition, pesticide risk to pollinators is typically assessed for individual compounds or products, even though in reality pollinators are exposed to a mixture of several pesticides where synergistic effects may occur.Here, we present a protocol for a semi-field experiment that assesses the effects of two pesticides and their combination on the oligolectic Osmia brevicornis and the generalist O. bicornis. Conducted as part of the EU project WildPosh, the experiment builds on laboratory studies investigating pesticide impacts on pollinator health and is designed to test the effects of realistic exposure levels. Specifically, the experiment, for which we detail the methodology here, tests the insecticide Mospilan SG (a.i. acetamiprid), the fungicide Folicur (a.i. tebuconazole), and their combination. The study follows a full-factorial design using 40 flight cages across four spray treatments—Mospilan SG, Folicur, their combination, and a negative control — with 10 cages per treatment. Adult bees of both species will be exposed to the spray treatments for a minimum of 7 days and various endpoints regarding fitness (i.e., survival and reproduction) as well as foraging behavior of the two species and pollination success will be assessed. The results of this experiment will provide information on whether the spray treatments differentially affect the generalist species O. bicornis and the closely related oligolectic species O. brevicornis, and on any interactions between the insecticide and the fungicide at realistic exposure levels
Hybrid assembly of Penicillium rubens genomes unveils high conservation of genome structural organisation and the presence of Numts in nuclear DNA
No full textThe search for highly accurate chromosomal reference genomes has become a primary objective for the fungal research communities. Various genomic events, including insertions, deletions, inversions and movement of transposable elements, can modify the genomic architecture, resulting in chromosomal rearrangements. Long sequence reads enhance the accuracy and reliability of the assembly procedure, facilitating the study of these genomic characteristics. Here, we have utilised a combination of PacBio and Illumina sequencing technologies to generate hybrid assemblies of Penicillium rubens strains 212 (PO212) and S27. These assemblies were then subjected to a comparative analysis in order to elucidate the chromosomal rearrangements that underpin the observed genomic differences, with a particular focus on their implications in the biocontrol phenotype against phytopathogenic fungi. This approach has enabled us to obtain the assembly of both PO212 and S27 genomes, with each organised into 13 scaffolds. The genomic organisation between these two isolates is highly conserved and the presence of transposable elements between the strains does not reveal major differences. Using the hybrid assemblies, we were able to detect, for the first time in the genus Penicillium, the presence of two nuclear mitochondrial DNA segments (Numts) in the genomes of the PO212 and S27 strains. The differences in biocontrol phenotype displayed by PO212 and S27 strains are independent of their genome organisation. These genomes provide new information for the existing database repositories
Re-evaluation of historic putative caimanine material from the lower Palaeocene Salamanca Formation in Patagonia (Argentina)
No full textThe fossil record of caimanines is characterised by two important periods: the first in the early Palaeocene and the second in the late Miocene. While numerous well-preserved taxa are known from the latter period, the incompleteness of fossils from the Palaeocene presents a significant challenge to understanding the evolution of Caimaninae. Here, we re-describe material collected by the German palaeontologist Friedrich von Huene in 1924 from outcrops of the Salamanca Formation at Cap Peligro in Patagonia, Argentina. The material consists of several isolated bone fragments (i.e., a frontal, parietal, dentary and angular, as well as seven vertebrae, three femora, four metatarsals and two osteoderms), currently housed in the Palaeontological Collection of the University of Tübingen in Germany. The size differences between the bones clearly indicate that they belong to different individuals; due to a lack of overlapping elements, it is unclear if they all belong to a single or, instead, to several distinct species. A comparison with recently described caimanines from the Palaeocene and Eocene of South America (i.e., Eocaiman cavernensis, E. itaboraiensis, E. palaeocenicus, Necrosuchus ionensis and Protocaiman peligrensis) shows that the material presented herein differs in lower jaw morphology from all other species (except P. peligrensis for which the lower jaw is unknown), but that the skull bones show a great similarity to those of P. peligrensis. The absence of overlapping skull material from all other species and of lower jaw material of P. peligrensis leads to the cautious assignment of the herein presented material to Caimaninae indet
Redescription of Mesoschendyla javanica (Attems, 1907) and its first records from Borneo (Chilopoda, Geophilomorpha, Schendylidae)
No full textThe geophilomorph Mesoschendyla javanica (Attems, 1907) was originally described from a small number of males collected from bat guano in Tjompea (Ciampea), Java. Subsequently, no additional material was identified. The type series remained the only specimens belonging to this genus known from Asia.Mesoschendyla javanica is re-discovered 118 years after its original description amongst centipedes collected from soil cores taken during the 1977–1978 Royal Geographical Society Gunung Mulu Expedition to Sarawak (Borneo, East Malaysia) and is deposited in the collection of the Natural History Museum (London). The new material comprising 49 specimens, amongst which are the first known females, is described and illustrated, shedding light on intraspecific morphological variation. The syntypes and sole previously available specimens are redescribed and illustrated, completing the summary original description of the species. Ecological and biogeographical notes are provided for Sarawak specimens
Microbial biodiversity and metabolic functioning in sediments of coastal dune lakes on a remote island
No full textMolecular-based techniques provide the potential for novel insights into the functioning of ecosystems, especially those that are globally rare such as coastal dune lakes. In the surface sediments of lakes, microbial communities play a vital role in biogeochemical cycling and techniques such as metagenomics can provide information on the roles play in these ecosystems. The current study aimed to investigate the taxonomic and functional composition of six coastal dune lakes on Chatham Island using sediment DNA approaches. The use of metabarcoding (16S rRNA gene) and metagenomics showed that there were distinct differences in the microbial community composition and functional potential amongst the lakes, especially in the lakes with higher salinity. Investigation of metabolic potential with metagenomics showed that the abundance of genes involved in nitrogen cycling were related to the nitrogen:phosphorus ratio while assimilatory sulfate reduction was correlated with sulfur and organic matter concentrations. Analysis showed differences in the carbon fixation strategies amongst the lakes. The lake with the highest salinity levels also had elevated levels of osmoprotectants and related transporters. The sequencing of sediment DNA enables the investigation of the composition and functioning of lake environments providing a basis for the increased understanding of the processes occurring within lakes
Types and biological effects of titanium alloys in prosthodontics
No full textRecent EU regulations recommend restriction of the use of medical devices in which cobalt content exceeds 0.1%. Commercially pure titanium (cpTi) and titanium alloys appear to be excellent alternatives to cobalt-based alloys in the fields of implantology and prosthodontics. The narrative review summarizes the structure and types of titanium alloys and the methods of their processing. The high biocompatibility of titanium is explained in terms of corrosion, ion release, and interaction with the biological environment. An analysis of existing studies on the mechanical properties of titanium prosthetic restorations is presented, and future perspectives are outlined
Test case prioritization based on human knowledge
No full textBuilding quality software, that is, suitable for use and meeting user needs, is one of the biggest challenges in the software industry. Although it is possible to guarantee the proper functioning of software through testing activities, such activities are exhaustive in nature, as it is impossible to test all inputs of a minimally complex program. This work proposes a method to prioritize test cases based on human knowledge using a combination of factors evaluated in an assessment answered by 29 software industry professionals and 5 academics. The assessment confirmed that the proposed factors are relevant. Finally, a practical example that prioritizes test cases for a banking application was carried out and it was observed that the proposed method works properly
Long-term socio-ecological research at Poloniny National Park LTSER platform
No full textThe Poloniny National Park LTSER platform (https://deims.org/4a954f2b-7d18-4992-a860-adb7268f9dc7) is located in the northeast of Slovakia, on the border with Poland and Ukraine, in the Carpathian mountain range. The area is about 34,000 hectares. The area has a highland to upland character and is part of the Eastern Carpathians Biosphere Reserve. Forests dominate (approximately 85% in 2013), with transitional woodland covering 3–4%, the agricultural part is represented mainly by grasslands (8–9%), while arable land with agricultural mosaics covers less than 2%.The territory is a remote, peripheral part of Slovakia with significant specificities - characteristic mountain meadows, a high level of forestation, a low share of arable land, the absence of a larger industrial center, low employment opportunities for the local population, long-term population decline, and limited accessibility to the territory.During the last decades, the territory has undergone several political and socioeconomic changes, the most significant are: collectivization and the establishment of two large agricultural cooperatives in the early 1970s; the eviction of seven municipalities because of construction of Starina water reservoir for drinking water (1980–1987); the transition to a market economy and a deeper decline in agriculture after 1989; and the partial restoration of agricultural support after Slovakia's accession to the EU in 2004 (Bezák and Mitchley 2014).The research project "Socio-ecological research of landscape and biodiversity change in mountain area of the NP Poloniny in context of global changes (VEGA 2/0184/11)" also included an assessment of changes in landscape management. The socio-economic research in 2011–2014 revised and adjusted the basic milestones of landscape and biodiversity change of the Poloniny NP, summarizing knowledge from previous research, literary sources, and using a questionnaire survey with the main actors in the area (farmers, mayors, nature conservation representatives, etc.). The management of the landscape moved from small-scale farming on narrow-strip fields and extensive meadow management to large-block and machine-based farming of permanent grasslands around municipalities to the abandonment and overgrowing of distant and smaller plots. Succession processes formed up to 20% of the territory, and the landscape became homogeneous. The region recorded a permanent decrease in the number of inhabitants. Remoteness, unfavourable economic and living conditions were other factors that caused the overall decline of agriculture. Slovakia's entry into the EU (2004) was associated with the renewal of agricultural and environmental support (application of the agri-environmental schemes), which caused the clearing and regular mowing of many previously overgrown agricultural plots. However, the focus of this scheme rather supported large-block intensive farming. Smaller or badly accessible locations (e.g., meadows at higher altitudes, wetlands) continued to change into a shrub-forest ecosystem (Bezák et al. 2016).Based on the sustainability appraisal of Poloniny in 2005 under the BioScene project (Scenarios for Reconciling Biodiversity Conservation with Declining Agriculture Use in Mountain Areas in Europe), three scenarios of agricultural landscape development were outlined:Business as Usual,Agricultural Liberalisation, andManaged Change for Biodiversity.Our research in 2020-2021 assessed the trajectories of these scenarios after 15 years, considering the socio-ecological context and achievement of selected sustainable objectives. Tourism, assumed to be the recent key factor in Poloniny’s rural development, was also analysed. The assessment employed data on demography, changes in agricultural area, changes based on geo-tagged photos, and two questionnaire surveys with local stakeholders. A mixed impact on biodiversity and natural resources and a negative or stagnant trend for most social and economic aspects were found. Improvements were expected primarily in avoiding depopulation and maintaining a young generation, support for social infrastructure, and local job creation. A key factor in stimulating multi-functional and sustainable landscape management is surely ecotourism, which has significantly expanded in the last few years, especially due to local initiatives. However, its long-term maintenance is uncertain since its linkage to the well-being of the local community is absent. Achieving this objective requires a systematic design of targeted rural policy that respects the needs and character of peripheral mountain regions, provides better conditions for sustainable farming, especially in connection with non-production benefits from agricultural landscape such as recreation and biodiversity, and considers local actions and knowledge (Bezáková and Bezák 2022)
REWET (REstoration of WETlands to minimise emissions and maximise carbon uptake – a strategy for long-term climate mitigation) – Carbon and methane fluxes at the peatland Ylpässuo in Kiuruvesi, Finland
No full textYlpässuo is an aapa-mire peatland complex dominated by oligo-mesotrophic Sphagnum fen vegetation, located in the middle boreal zone in the North-Savonia province, Finland. In the past decades, some marginal areas were drained due to forestry activities, changing the carbon pools and possibly triggering the shifting of dominant species, which is little known. Since 2020, Ylpässuo has been protected by the Natural Heritage Foundation with a donation from the University of Eastern Finland, aiming to restore the original watery mire characters. In 2022, Ylpässuo was developed as an open lab under the REWET/EU-Horizon project (2022-2026). To better understand the capacity of carbon sequestration and the impact of species shifting on greenhouse gases at Ylpässuo. In 2023, the eddy covariance monitoring system was successfully established, and greenhouse gas fluxes, including carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) fluxes, have been successfully collected since August of 2023. Results from 2024 showed that the eddy covariance system has a good energy closure, and the coefficient of determination between energy in and out was 0.92 (Fig. 1), indicating the good quality of carbon flux measurements at Ylpässuo (Mauder et al. 2024). Moreover, variations of CO2 fluxes show that the maximum gross primary productivity (GPP) and ecosystem respiration (Reco) occurred in the middle of June, whereas the minimum net ecosystem exchange (NEE) occurred in the mid of July (Fig. 2). In the beginning of May, when the long winter finished and snow was melted, CH4 flux was already active as a source until the end of the growing season (September) (Fig. 2). In conclusion, our preliminary results indicate that Ylpässu was a CO2 sink and CH4 source. However, overall, the carbon released as methane can still be offset by wet peatlands acting as carbon sinks, highlighting the importance of peatland restoration to mitigate climate warming. The impact of species composition and species shift on greenhouse gas emissions needs long-term continuous monitoring
Constraining the water budget of a small agricultural headwater catchment using flux tower and soil data, satellite-based evapotranspiration, and semi-distributed hydrological modelling
No full textOn a global scale, the impacts of climate change on the hydrological cycle are clearly visible and documented. Some damages to ecosystems and humanity tend to be irreversible, particularly extreme events such as floodings and droughts, which are expected to occur more frequently (IPCC 2023). Quantifying the processes at work in the hydrological cycle at the catchment scale is very complex due to landscape heterogeneity and non-linear interactions. However, it can be addressed by constraining the problem using different sources of data and modelling tools. In this study, conducted at the ORE AgrHyS agro-hydrological observatory (Brittany, NW France), we compared ground-based measurements of actual evapotranspiration (AET) and soil water content (SWC) with satellite-based AET estimates and the outputs of a semi-distributed hydrological model.AET fluxes were measured by eddy-covariance at the FR-Nzn flux tower site (part of the EUROFLUX network), located on grazed grassland at the catchment head. SWC measurements were performed with TDR (Time-Domain Reflectometry) sensors at different locations and measurement depths in the watershed (5cm depth at most sites, but also down to 50 cm at the flux tower). Satellite-based AET estimates were computed using Landsat 8 OLI-TIRS products as well as local and meteorological model data (AROME model, by Météo France). The hydrological model used multi-site daily rainfall measurements and potential evapotranspiration to simulate daily specific discharge at the outlet and further constrain soil water balance, water table depth, flow rates and AET fluxes at the catchment scale. Additionally, the SWC TDR measurements performed over the catchment were compared to estimates obtained from the Copernicus Sentinel-1 radar product.Modelled and measured AET fluxes were compared over the period 2016-2024 to explore their inter-annual variability, extreme weather events (heat waves and droughts), and to discuss discrepancies between models and measurements. The potential of spatialized AET combining local measurements and modelled outputs is also studied. Such a combination of data sources is expected to improve modelling tools and to reduce uncertainties in AET and water balance at the catchment-scale