Tiny wasps, huge diversity – A review of German Pteromalidae with new generic and species records (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea)

Despite their ecological and economic importance, hymenopteran parasitoids are severely understudied. Even in countries with a long taxonomic history such as Germany, dating back to the 18th century and including prolific figures like Christian Gottfired Nees von Esenbeck and Otto Schmiedeknecht, those species-rich groups are seldom the subject of comprehensive research efforts, leaving their true diversity unknown. This is often due to their small size of a few millimetres on average, leading to difficulties in their identification and examination. The chalcidoid family Pteromalidae is no exception to this neglect. So far, 735 species have been reported from Germany. Estimating the diversity of this group is not possible, but it has to be assumed that many more species are still to be discovered in Germany. With this study, we improve the knowledge on pteromalid diversity and present new records of 17 genera and 41 species, previously unknown to occur in Germany. We also match and describe previously unknown sexes of two species, based on DNA barcode data. The results of this study were generated as part of the German Barcode of Life Project. The newly-recorded species are illustrated and notes on the biology and distribution are given. The ecological significance of Pteromalidae and potential value as indicators for nature conservation efforts are briefly discussed.

A Taxonomic Investigation into the Red Alga Plocamium within New Zealand

<p>The red alga Plocamium is a cosmopolitan genus, known for its distinct branching pattern and rich chemical composition. Recent studies indicate morphological-based species delimitation approaches have failed to accurately discern diversity, distributions, and evolutionary relationship between species worldwide. Currently there are seven recognized species within New Zealand based on traditional morphological approaches and no molecular based work focused on discerning true diversity of New Zealand species in this genus. This thesis is the first to use molecular-assisted alpha taxonomy to investigate Plocamium within New Zealand. Phylogenetic analyses (Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian Inference) based on COI, rbcL, LSU and combined LSU/COI markers, three molecular species delimitation methods (Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery, General Mixed Yule Coalescent, and Bayesian implementation of the Poisson Tree Processes), and morphometric analyses of various characters (width of main axis (WMA), width of lowest basal ramuli (WLBR), length of lowest basal ramuli (LLBR), number of alternating series of ramuli (NASR), average number of ramuli per alternating series (ANRAS), curvature of basal ramuli (CBR) and serrations present or absent from basal ramuli (SERBR) were used to address this topic. The species delimitation methods revealed at least eleven (A-K) putative genetic species (with some incongruences) within the New Zealand specimens included in the study. Morphometric analyses indicated morphology reflects genetic diversity when multiple measures of multiple characters are used, however this is not the case when considering single characters. Phylogenetic analyses revealed possible monophyly of New Zealand candidate species C-K, and possible relationships to Australian, Chilean, and Taiwanese species. However these backbone relationships were poorly supported. The results of this study indicate that Plocamium diversity within New Zealand has been underestimated and provide the first steps in discovering the true species diversity of Plocamium within New Zealand.</p>

A Taxonomic Investigation into the Red Alga Plocamium within New Zealand

<p>The red alga Plocamium is a cosmopolitan genus, known for its distinct branching pattern and rich chemical composition. Recent studies indicate morphological-based species delimitation approaches have failed to accurately discern diversity, distributions, and evolutionary relationship between species worldwide. Currently there are seven recognized species within New Zealand based on traditional morphological approaches and no molecular based work focused on discerning true diversity of New Zealand species in this genus. This thesis is the first to use molecular-assisted alpha taxonomy to investigate Plocamium within New Zealand. Phylogenetic analyses (Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian Inference) based on COI, rbcL, LSU and combined LSU/COI markers, three molecular species delimitation methods (Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery, General Mixed Yule Coalescent, and Bayesian implementation of the Poisson Tree Processes), and morphometric analyses of various characters (width of main axis (WMA), width of lowest basal ramuli (WLBR), length of lowest basal ramuli (LLBR), number of alternating series of ramuli (NASR), average number of ramuli per alternating series (ANRAS), curvature of basal ramuli (CBR) and serrations present or absent from basal ramuli (SERBR) were used to address this topic. The species delimitation methods revealed at least eleven (A-K) putative genetic species (with some incongruences) within the New Zealand specimens included in the study. Morphometric analyses indicated morphology reflects genetic diversity when multiple measures of multiple characters are used, however this is not the case when considering single characters. Phylogenetic analyses revealed possible monophyly of New Zealand candidate species C-K, and possible relationships to Australian, Chilean, and Taiwanese species. However these backbone relationships were poorly supported. The results of this study indicate that Plocamium diversity within New Zealand has been underestimated and provide the first steps in discovering the true species diversity of Plocamium within New Zealand.</p>

Field surveys in Croatia and North Macedonia reveal two novel phleboviruses circulating in sandflies

Sandfly-borne phleboviruses are distributed widely throughout the Mediterranean Basin, presenting a threat to public health in areas where they circulate. However, the true diversity and distribution of pathogenic and apathogenic sandfly-borne phleboviruses remains a key issue to be studied. In the Balkans, most published data rely on serology-based studies although virus isolation has occasionally been reported. Here, we report the discovery of two novel sandfly-borne phleboviruses, provisionally named Zaba virus (ZABAV) and Bregalaka virus (BREV), which were isolated in Croatia and North Macedonia, respectively. This constitutes the first isolation of phleboviruses in both countries. Genetic analysis based on complete coding sequences indicated that ZABAV and BREV are distinct from each other and belong to the genus Phlebovirus, family Phenuiviridae. Phylogenetic and amino acid modelling of viral polymerase shows that ZABAV and BREV are new members of the Salehabad phlebovirus species and the Adana phlebovirus species, respectively. Moreover, sequence-based vector identification suggests that ZABAV is mainly transmitted by Phlebotomus neglectus and BREV is mainly transmitted by Phlebotomus perfiliewi. BREV neutralizing antibodies were detected in 3.3% of human sera with rates up to 16.7% in certain districts, demonstrating that BREV frequently infects humans in North Macedonia. In vitro viral growth kinetics experiments demonstrated viral replication of both viruses in mammalian and mosquito cells. In vivo experimental studies in mice suggest that ZABAV and BREV exhibit characteristics making them possible human pathogens.

Framework application of e-DNA metabarcoding as a variable to evaluate mangrove ecosystem

Indonesia has the largest mangrove forests in the world, about 22.6% of the global total area. Mangrove forests are known to provide great benefits to the community as an ecosystem service and globally. Mangrove forests are threatened with loss due to anthropogenic and non-anthropogenic activities. Our previous research results show the important role of mangroves in the context of climate change for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the diversity of terpenoids for salinity defense. The term metabarcoding of environmental DNA as a key indicator for evaluating mangrove ecosystems was introduced. This work proposed framework to study environmental DNA metabarcoding applications that can provide accurate information for evaluating mangrove ecosystems using an easy and fast method. The rich mangrove forest is getting disappeared without being recognized by its true diversity, function, and potential services to human beings. Application of conservation activities based on the species diversity in the mangrove ecosystem is almost impossible, because it is too difficult to study, in term of time and effort, despite the importance of acquiring the biodiversity information. However, DNA metabarcoding can be a “dream-like” tool and will contribute to obtain the species diversity data of the mangrove ecosystem, rapidly, globally, and massively.

The role of organizational and individual-level factors for the inclusion of women managers in Japan

Purpose This study aims to analyze and contrast the role of organizational and individual level factors in influencing the effective participation of women managers in decision-making in Japanese business organizations. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative study based on 21 in-depth interviews with women and men in managerial positions in Japanese organizations is adopted. Findings Results show that gender equality structures and practices are not effectively institutionalized within Japanese organizations. In particular, corporate social responsibility programs are perceived by women respondents to be formally adopted to gain legitimacy in the eyes of foreign investors. However, they lack effectiveness in giving the woman manager a “voice” in business decisions. Organizational practices such as leadership development and mentoring are generally not evident in the organizations analyzed. Conversely, the personal traits of the woman manager, such as determination, self-confidence and “being able to confront men colleagues” are the factors perceived to be crucial in influencing women’s participation in decisions. Social implications The study suggests that to increase the weight of women managers in Japanese organizations’ decision-making, action is still needed within organizations to create a true diversity-culture. Additionally, action at the educational level has to remove women’s own self-segregation. Originality/value The study offers novel evidence on the “glass ceiling” in Japanese businesses by investigating whether women’s access to management positions corresponds to effective decision power. The study also highlights the key enabling factors, therefore contributing to the analysis of how to create more effective gender “diversity” within Japanese businesses.

Diversity of Geadephaga (Coleoptera: Carabidae and Cicindelidae) in Colombia: an approach from existing literature

The beetle families Carabidae and Cicindelidae, with about 40 000 species worldwide, play an increasing role in biodiversity conservation and ecological studies in Colombia, which makes a faunistic update all the more necessary. We present and analyze a checklist of the species so far described or registered from Colombia until 2020, based on published studies, and their distribution data at the department level. Carabidae are represented by 625 species and Cicindelidae by 100. Magdalena, Cundinamarca and Valle del Cauca are the departments with the highest record numbers of Carabidae, while Cicindelidae are most frequently cited from Valle del Cauca, Antioquia and Meta. The greater sampling effort in these regions is likely due to the accessibility of their natural areas from the main towns. The geographical distribution of Cicindelidae is better documented, with only 17 % of the species without mention of specific localities within the country, against 40 % in Carabidae. Hyper-diverse regions, such as the Chocó and the Amazon, are underrepresented. The number of species currently recorded is therefore estimated to be much lower than true diversity for both families.

Enrollment, retention, and strategies for including disadvantaged populations in randomized controlled trials: a systematic review protocol

Background Many randomized controlled trials fail to reach their target sample size. When coupled with the omission and underrepresentation of disadvantaged groups in randomized controlled trials, many trials fail to obtain data that accurately represents the true diversity of their target population. Policies and practices have been implemented to increase representation of disadvantaged groups in many randomized controlled trials, with some trials specifically targeting such groups. To our knowledge, no systematic review has quantified the enrollment metrics and effectiveness of inclusion and retention strategies in randomized controlled trials focused on disadvantaged populations specifically. Methods We will conduct a systematic search across EMBASE, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and CINAHL as well as grey literature, conference proceedings, research monographs, and Google Scholar from inception onwards. We will include randomized controlled trials where at least 50% of enrolled participants are considered to be disadvantaged, as per the RCT authors’ definition and in line with our inclusion criteria. Two independent researchers per article will conduct preliminary title and abstract screening, subsequent full text review, and data extraction for the selected trials, with a third reviewer available to resolve conflicts. We will assess the quality of all included studies using specific criteria regarding data reporting, external validity, and internal validity. We will combine all selected studies and conduct a narrative synthesis to assess enrollment metrics. If there is sufficient homogeneity and sufficient trials comparing recruitment strategies within disadvantaged populations, we will conduct a random effects meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of strategies designed to maximize the inclusion of disadvantaged populations in randomized controlled trials. Discussion The findings of this systematic review will establish baseline recruitment and enrollment metrics of trials targeting disadvantaged populations to elucidate the scope of the challenge of recruiting such populations. We hope that our findings will promote future research on the distinct barriers that may prevent disadvantaged populations from participating in health intervention research, will encourage more trials exploring effective, tailored recruitment strategies, and will establish a foundation to track future progress in the recruitment of disadvantaged populations. Trial registrations PROSPERO ID: CRD42020152814

The First Age of Reptiles? Comparing Reptile and Synapsid Diversity, and the Influence of Lagerstätten, During the Carboniferous and Early Permian

Terrestrial ecosystems during the Pennsylvanian (late Carboniferous) and Cisuralian (early Permian) are usually described in the literature as being dominated by synapsids, the mammal-line amniotes. The pelycosaurs (a paraphyletic grouping of synapsid families) have been considered more speciose, abundant, and ecologically diverse than contemporary reptile-line amniotes. However, this dominance has never been subjected to quantitative testing accounting for sampling bias. Moreover, in recent years the amniote phylogeny has undergone numerous revisions, with suggestions that varanopids and recumbirostran microsaurs fall within reptiles, and that diadectomorphs may be pelycosaurian-grade synapsids. An examination of local species richness (alpha diversity) of synapsids and reptiles during the Pennsylvanian and Cisuralian at different spatial scales shows that these taxonomic revisions have substantial impacts on relative diversity patterns of synapsids and reptiles. Synapsids are only found to be consistently more diverse through the early Permian when using the “traditional” taxonomy. The recent taxonomic updates produce diversity estimates where reptile diversity is consistent with, or in some cases higher than that of synapsids. Moreover, biases in preservation may affect patterns. Where preservation favors smaller vertebrates, e.g., Richards Spur, South Grandfield, reptiles overwhelmingly dominate. If smaller vertebrates are expected to make up the bulk of amniote diversity, as they do in the present day, such lagerstätten may be more representative of true diversity patterns. Therefore, the dominance of pelycosaurs during this interval should be reconsidered, and this interval may be considered the First Age of Reptiles.

Diversity in the Development of the Neuromuscular System of Nemertean Larvae (Nemertea, Spiralia)

In studies on the development of nervous systems and musculature, fluorescent labeling of neuroactive substances and filamentous actin (f-actin) of muscle cells and the subsequent analysis with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), has led to a broad comparative data set for the majority of the clades of the superphylum Spiralia. However, a number of clades remain understudied, which results in gaps in our knowledge that drastically hamper the formulation of broad-scale hypotheses on the evolutionary developmental biology (EvoDevo) of the structures in question. Regarding comparative data on the development of the peptidergic nervous system and the musculature of species belonging to the spiralian clade Nemertea (ribbon worms), such considerable knowledge gaps are manifest. This paper presents first findings on fluorescent labeling of the FMRFamide-like component of the nervous system and contributes additional data on the muscle development in the presently still underrepresented larvae of palaeo- and hoplonemertean species. Whereas the architecture of the FMRFamide-like nervous system is comparably uniform between the studied representatives, the formation of the musculature differs considerably, exhibiting developmental modes yet undescribed for any spiralian species. The presented results fill a significant gap in the spiralian EvoDevo data set and thus allow for further elaboration of hypotheses on the ancestral pattern of the musculature and a prominent component of the nervous system in Nemertea. However, with respect to the variety observed, it is expected that the true diversity of the developmental pathways is still to be discovered when more detailed data on other nemertean species will be available.