Utilizing citizen science to model the distribution of Aedes aegypti in West Africa

In a rapidly urbanizing region such as West Africa, Aedes mosquitoes pose an emerging threat of infectious disease that is compounded by limited vector surveillance. Citizen science has been proposed as a way to fill surveillance gaps by training local residents to collect and share information on disease vectors. Increasing citizen science efforts can begin to bridge the gaps in our current knowledge of Aedes distribution while engaging locals with mosquito control and public health efforts. Understanding the distribution of disease vectors in West Africa can inform researchers and public health officials on where to conduct disease surveillance and focus public health interventions. We aimed to compare citizen science data to published literature observations of Aedes mosquitoes and to quantify how incorporating citizen science changes our understanding of Aedes mosquito distribution in West Africa. We utilized citizen science data collected through NASAs GLOBE Observer mobile phone application and data from a previously published literature review on Aedes mosquito distribution to examine the contribution of citizen science to understanding the distribution of Ae. aegypti in West Africa using Maximum Entropy modeling. Combining citizen science and literature-derived observations improved the fit of the model compared to models created by each data source alone, but did not alleviate location bias within the models, likely due to lack of widespread observations. Understanding Ae. aegypti distribution will require greater investment in Aedes mosquito surveillance in the region, and citizen science should be utilized as a tool in this mission to increase the reach of surveillance.

Download Full-text

Re-emergence of dengue virus in regional Queensland: 2019 dengue virus outbreak in Rockhampton, Central Queensland, Australia

Communicable Diseases Intelligence ◽

10.33321/cdi.2021.45.31 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 45 ◽

Author(s):

Jacina Walker ◽

Alyssa Pyke ◽

Paul Florian ◽

Fred Moore ◽

Nicolas Smoll ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Aedes Aegypti ◽

Dengue Virus ◽

Southeast Asia ◽

Mosquito Control ◽

Clinical Symptoms ◽

Control Measures ◽

Nucleotide Sequencing ◽

Mosquito Vector ◽

Vector Surveillance

Objective(s): To describe an autochthonous dengue virus type 2 (DENV-2) outbreak in Central Queensland from May 2019 and subsequent public health actions. Design and setting: Public health outbreak investigation of locally acquired DENV-2 cases in Rockhampton, Central Queensland. This included laboratory investigations, associated mosquito vector surveillance, and control measures implemented in response to the outbreak. Results: Twenty-one locally-acquired DENV-2 cases were identified during the Rockhampton outbreak (from 23 May to 7 October 2019): 13 laboratory-confirmed and eight probable cases. Clinical symptoms included lethargy (100%); fever (95%); headache (95%); and aches and pains (90%). Inspections of premises demonstrated that <i>Aedes aegypti</i> was present in 9.5% of those investigated which was more than half of the premises identified as containing mosquitoes. Nucleotide sequencing of a DENV-2 isolate recovered from the first confirmed case and DENV-2 RNA from an additional 5 patients indicated a single DENV-2 strain was responsible for the outbreak which was most closely related to DENV-2 strains from Southeast Asia. Conclusions: The 2019 DENV-2 outbreak in Rockhampton, Central Queensland, Australia, likely resulted from the importation of a strain, most closely related to DENV-2 strains from Southeast Asia and is the first reported outbreak in the region specifically implicating DENV-2. Given the presence of <i>Aedes aegypti</i> in Rockhampton, appropriate medical and mosquito avoidance advice; ongoing surveillance; and deployment of mosquito control strategies for the prevention of dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases should be priorities for this region.

Download Full-text

Using citizen science to study exotic and invasive birds.

Invasive birds: global trends and impacts ◽

10.1079/9781789242065.0363 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 363-368

Author(s):

Corey T. Callaghan ◽

Daniel M. Brooks

Keyword(s):

Citizen Science ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Science Data ◽

Bird Populations ◽

Science Projects ◽

Current Usage ◽

Exotic Birds ◽

Introduced Birds ◽

Types Of Information ◽

Invasive Birds

Abstract This chapter describes the current usage of citizen science to increase the current knowledge of exotic and invasive bird populations. Citizen science projects aimed at studying and tracking exotic birds are divided into two categories: those that are part of a broad-scale biodiversity collection scheme, and those that are species focused. Some of the current literature that integrates citizen science data and the effects, management and implications of introduced birds are summarized, and select examples that highlight the potential of citizen science aimed at gathering various types of information about exotic birds are included. A vision for the future of citizen science aimed at studying exotic birds is also discussed.

Download Full-text

The Use of Citizen Science to Achieve Multivariate Management Goals on Public Lands

Diversity ◽

10.3390/d13070293 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (7) ◽

pp. 293

Author(s):

Sara Souther ◽

Vincent Randall ◽

Nanebah Lyndon

Keyword(s):

Citizen Science ◽

Land Management ◽

Ecological Integrity ◽

Public Land ◽

Suitable Habitat ◽

Science Data ◽

Public Land Management ◽

Federal Land ◽

Botanical Research ◽

Federal Land Management

Federal land management agencies in the US are tasked with maintaining the ecological integrity of over 2 million km2 of land for myriad public uses. Citizen science, operating at the nexus of science, education, and outreach, offers unique benefits to address socio-ecological questions and problems, and thus may offer novel opportunities to support the complex mission of public land managers. Here, we use a case study of an iNaturalist program, the Tribal Nations Botanical Research Collaborative (TNBRC), to examine the use of citizen science programs in public land management. The TNBRC collected 2030 observations of 34 plant species across the project area, while offering learning opportunities for participants. Using occurrence data, we examined observational trends through time and identified five species with 50 or fewer digital observations to investigate as species of possible conservation concern. We compared predictive outcomes of habitat suitability models built using citizen science data and Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) data. Models exhibited high agreement, identifying the same underlying predictors of species occurrence and, 95% of the time, identifying the same pixels as suitable habitat. Actions such as staff training on data use and interpretation could enhance integration of citizen science in Federal land management.

Download Full-text

Citizen science as a tool for arboviral vector surveillance in a resourced-constrained setting: results of a pilot study in Honiara, Solomon Islands, 2019

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-10493-6 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Adam T. Craig ◽

Nathan Kama ◽

George Fafale ◽

Hugo Bugoro

Keyword(s):

Pilot Study ◽

Citizen Science ◽

Resource Constraints ◽

Solomon Islands ◽

Disease Outbreaks ◽

Social Benefit ◽

Identification Accuracy ◽

Vector Surveillance ◽

Project Staff ◽

Middle Income

Abstract Background Recent arboviral disease outbreaks highlight the value a better understanding of the spread of disease-carrying mosquitoes across spatial-temporal scales can provide. Traditional surveillance tools are limited by jurisdictional boundaries, workforce constraints, logistics, and cost; factors that in low- and middle-income countries often conspire to undermine public health protection efforts. To overcome these, we undertake a pilot study designed to explore if citizen science provides a feasible strategy for arboviral vector surveillance in small developing Pacific island contexts. Methods We recruited, trained, and equipped community volunteers to trap and type mosquitos within their household settings, and to report count data to a central authority by short-message-service. Mosquito catches were independently assessed to measure participants’ mosquito identification accuracy. Other data were collected to measure the frequency and stability of reporting, and volunteers’ experiences. Results Participants collected data for 78.3% of the study period, and agreement between the volunteer citizen scientists’ and the reviewing entomologist’s mosquito identification was 94%. Opportunity to contribute to a project of social benefit, the chance to learn new skills, and the frequency of engagement with project staff were prime motivators for participation. Unstable electricity supply (required to run the trap’s fan), insufficient personal finances (to buy electricity and phone credit), and inconvenience were identified as barriers to sustained participation. Conclusions While there are challenges to address, our findings suggest that citizen science offers an opportunity to overcome the human resource constraints that conspire to limit health authorities’ capacity to monitor arboviral vectors across populations. We note that the success of citizen science-based surveillance is dependent on the appropriate selection of equipment and participants, and the quality of engagement and support provided.

Download Full-text

Abundant Citizen Science Data Reveal That the Peacock Butterfly Aglais io Recently Became Bivoltine in Belgium

Insects ◽

10.3390/insects12080683 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (8) ◽

pp. 683

Author(s):

Marc Herremans ◽

Karin Gielen ◽

Jos Van Kerckhoven ◽

Pieter Vanormelingen ◽

Wim Veraghtert ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Citizen Science ◽

Western Europe ◽

Environmental Changes ◽

Early Summer ◽

Science Data ◽

The Public ◽

Online Portal ◽

Spring Generation ◽

Reproductive Cycles ◽

New Generation

The peacock butterfly is abundant and widespread in Europe. It is generally believed to be univoltine (one generation per year): adults born in summer overwinter and reappear again in spring to reproduce. However, recent flight patterns in western Europe mostly show three peaks during the year: a first one in spring (overwintering butterflies), a second one in early summer (offspring of the spring generation), and a third one in autumn. It was thus far unclear whether this autumn flight peak was a second new generation or consisted of butterflies flying again in autumn after a summer rest (aestivation). The life cycle of one of Europe’s most common butterflies is therefore still surprisingly inadequately understood. We used hundreds of thousands of observations and thousands of pictures submitted by naturalists from the public to the online portal observation.orgin Belgium and analyzed relations between flight patterns, condition (wear), reproductive cycles, peak abundances, and phenology to clarify the current life history. We demonstrate that peacocks have shifted towards two new generations per year in recent decades. Mass citizen science data in online portals has become increasingly important in tracking the response of biodiversity to rapid environmental changes such as climate change.

Download Full-text

At the tip of an iceberg: citizen science and active surveillance collaborating to broaden the known distribution of Aedes japonicus in Spain

Parasites & Vectors ◽

10.1186/s13071-021-04874-4 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Roger Eritja ◽

Sarah Delacour-Estrella ◽

Ignacio Ruiz-Arrondo ◽

Mikel A. González ◽

Carlos Barceló ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Citizen Science ◽

Active Surveillance ◽

Mosquito Control ◽

Mosquito Species ◽

Surveillance Systems ◽

Northern Spain ◽

Surveillance Strategy ◽

Aedes Japonicus ◽

Invasive Mosquito Species ◽

Invasive Mosquito

Abstract Background Active surveillance aimed at the early detection of invasive mosquito species is usually focused on seaports and airports as points of entry, and along road networks as dispersion paths. In a number of cases, however, the first detections of colonizing populations are made by citizens, either because the species has already moved beyond the implemented active surveillance sites or because there is no surveillance in place. This was the case of the first detection in 2018 of the Asian bush mosquito, Aedes japonicus, in Asturias (northern Spain) by the citizen science platform Mosquito Alert. Methods The collaboration between Mosquito Alert, the Ministry of Health, local authorities and academic researchers resulted in a multi-source surveillance combining active field sampling with broader temporal and spatial citizen-sourced data, resulting in a more flexible and efficient surveillance strategy. Results Between 2018 and 2020, the joint efforts of administrative bodies, academic teams and citizen-sourced data led to the discovery of this species in northern regions of Spain such as Cantabria and the Basque Country. This raised the estimated area of occurrence of Ae. japonicus from < 900 km2 in 2018 to > 7000 km2 in 2020. Conclusions This population cluster is geographically isolated from any other population in Europe, which raises questions about its origin, path of introduction and dispersal means, while also highlighting the need to enhance surveillance systems by closely combining crowd-sourced surveillance with public health and mosquito control agencies’ efforts, from local to continental scales. This multi-actor approach for surveillance (either passive and active) shows high potential efficiency in the surveillance of other invasive mosquito species, and specifically the major vector Aedes aegypti which is already present in some parts of Europe. Graphical abstract

Download Full-text

Explaining Spatial Variation in the Recording Effort of Citizen Science Data across Multiple Taxa

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0147796 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. e0147796 ◽

Cited By ~ 36

Author(s):

Louise Mair ◽

Alejandro Ruete

Keyword(s):

Spatial Variation ◽

Citizen Science ◽

Science Data

Download Full-text

A Conceptual Probabilistic Framework for Annotation Aggregation of Citizen Science Data

Mathematics ◽

10.3390/math9080875 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (8) ◽

pp. 875

Author(s):

Jesus Cerquides ◽

Mehmet Oğuz Mülâyim ◽

Jerónimo Hernández-González ◽

Amudha Ravi Shankar ◽

Jose Luis Fernandez-Marquez

Keyword(s):

Data Quality ◽

Citizen Science ◽

Graphical Model ◽

Real Life ◽

Scientific Journals ◽

Probabilistic Framework ◽

Science Data ◽

Label Aggregation ◽

Evaluation Of Data ◽

Model Formalism

Over the last decade, hundreds of thousands of volunteers have contributed to science by collecting or analyzing data. This public participation in science, also known as citizen science, has contributed to significant discoveries and led to publications in major scientific journals. However, little attention has been paid to data quality issues. In this work we argue that being able to determine the accuracy of data obtained by crowdsourcing is a fundamental question and we point out that, for many real-life scenarios, mathematical tools and processes for the evaluation of data quality are missing. We propose a probabilistic methodology for the evaluation of the accuracy of labeling data obtained by crowdsourcing in citizen science. The methodology builds on an abstract probabilistic graphical model formalism, which is shown to generalize some already existing label aggregation models. We show how to make practical use of the methodology through a comparison of data obtained from different citizen science communities analyzing the earthquake that took place in Albania in 2019.

Download Full-text

Using citizen science data to monitor the Sustainable Development Goals: a bottom-up analysis

Sustainability Science ◽

10.1007/s11625-021-01001-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Laura Ballerini ◽

Sylvia I. Bergh

Keyword(s):

Sustainable Development ◽

Citizen Science ◽

Sustainable Development Goals ◽

Comparative Case Study ◽

Science Data ◽

The Sustainable Development ◽

Case Study Analysis ◽

Wide Range ◽

Development Goals

AbstractOfficial data are not sufficient for monitoring the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): they do not reach remote locations or marginalized populations and can be manipulated by governments. Citizen science data (CSD), defined as data that citizens voluntarily gather by employing a wide range of technologies and methodologies, could help to tackle these problems and ultimately improve SDG monitoring. However, the link between CSD and the SDGs is still understudied. This article aims to develop an empirical understanding of the CSD-SDG link by focusing on the perspective of projects which employ CSD. Specifically, the article presents primary and secondary qualitative data collected on 30 of these projects and an explorative comparative case study analysis. It finds that projects which use CSD recognize that the SDGs can provide a valuable framework and legitimacy, as well as attract funding, visibility, and partnerships. But, at the same time, the article reveals that these projects also encounter several barriers with respect to the SDGs: a widespread lack of knowledge of the goals, combined with frustration and political resistance towards the UN, may deter these projects from contributing their data to the SDG monitoring apparatus.

Download Full-text