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Dr. Matteo Marcantonio
Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA

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Research Keywords & Expertise

0 ecological informatics
0 Invasive mosquito ecology
0 Species dispersal theory and application
0 Population dynamics and modelling
0 Functional traits and biogeography

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Original article
Published: 08 April 2021 in Community Ecology
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The variation of species diversity over space and time has been widely recognised as a key challenge in ecology. However, measuring species diversity over large areas might be difficult for logistic reasons related to both time and cost savings for sampling, as well as accessibility of remote ecosystems. In this paper, we present a new package - - to calculate diversity indices based on remotely sensed data, by discussing the theory behind the developed algorithms. Obviously, measures of diversity from space should not be viewed as a replacement of in situ data on biological diversity, but they are rather complementary to existing data and approaches. In practice, they integrate available information of Earth surface properties, including aspects of functional (structural, biophysical and biochemical), taxonomic, phylogenetic and genetic diversity. Making use of the package can result useful in making multiple calculations based on reproducible open source algorithms, robustly rooted in Information Theory.

ACS Style

Elisa Thouverai; Matteo Marcantonio; Giovanni Bacaro; Daniele Da Re; Martina Iannacito; Elisa Marchetto; Carlo Ricotta; Clara Tattoni; Saverio Vicario; Duccio Rocchini. Measuring diversity from space: a global view of the free and open source rasterdiv R package under a coding perspective. Community Ecology 2021, 22, 1 -11.

AMA Style

Elisa Thouverai, Matteo Marcantonio, Giovanni Bacaro, Daniele Da Re, Martina Iannacito, Elisa Marchetto, Carlo Ricotta, Clara Tattoni, Saverio Vicario, Duccio Rocchini. Measuring diversity from space: a global view of the free and open source rasterdiv R package under a coding perspective. Community Ecology. 2021; 22 (1):1-11.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Elisa Thouverai; Matteo Marcantonio; Giovanni Bacaro; Daniele Da Re; Martina Iannacito; Elisa Marchetto; Carlo Ricotta; Clara Tattoni; Saverio Vicario; Duccio Rocchini. 2021. "Measuring diversity from space: a global view of the free and open source rasterdiv R package under a coding perspective." Community Ecology 22, no. 1: 1-11.

Macroecological methods
Published: 15 March 2021 in Global Ecology and Biogeography
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Aim The majority of work done to gather information on the Earth's biodiversity has been carried out using in‐situ data, with known issues related to epistemology (e.g., species determination and taxonomy), spatial uncertainty, logistics (time and costs), among others. An alternative way to gather information about spatial ecosystem variability is the use of satellite remote sensing. It works as a powerful tool for attaining rapid and standardized information. Several metrics used to calculate remotely sensed diversity of ecosystems are based on Shannon’s information theory, namely on the differences in relative abundance of pixel reflectances in a certain area. Additional metrics like the Rao’s quadratic entropy allow the use of spectral distance beside abundance, but they are point descriptors of diversity, that is they can account only for a part of the whole diversity continuum. The aim of this paper is thus to generalize the Rao’s quadratic entropy by proposing its parameterization for the first time. Innovation The parametric Rao’s quadratic entropy, coded in R, (a) allows the representation of the whole continuum of potential diversity indices in one formula, and (b) starting from the Rao’s quadratic entropy, allows the explicit use of distances among pixel reflectance values, together with relative abundances. Main conclusions The proposed unifying measure is an integration between abundance‐ and distance‐based algorithms to map the continuum of diversity given a satellite image at any spatial scale. Being part of the rasterdiv R package, the proposed method is expected to ensure high robustness and reproducibility.

ACS Style

Duccio Rocchini; Matteo Marcantonio; Daniele Da Re; Giovanni Bacaro; Enrico Feoli; Giles M. Foody; Reinhard Furrer; Ryan J. Harrigan; David Kleijn; Martina Iannacito; Jonathan Lenoir; Meixi Lin; Marco Malavasi; Elisa Marchetto; Rachel S. Meyer; Vítězslav Moudry; Fabian D. Schneider; Petra Šímová; Andrew H. Thornhill; Elisa Thouverai; Saverio Vicario; Robert K. Wayne; Carlo Ricotta. From zero to infinity: Minimum to maximum diversity of the planet by spatio‐parametric Rao’s quadratic entropy. Global Ecology and Biogeography 2021, 30, 1153 -1162.

AMA Style

Duccio Rocchini, Matteo Marcantonio, Daniele Da Re, Giovanni Bacaro, Enrico Feoli, Giles M. Foody, Reinhard Furrer, Ryan J. Harrigan, David Kleijn, Martina Iannacito, Jonathan Lenoir, Meixi Lin, Marco Malavasi, Elisa Marchetto, Rachel S. Meyer, Vítězslav Moudry, Fabian D. Schneider, Petra Šímová, Andrew H. Thornhill, Elisa Thouverai, Saverio Vicario, Robert K. Wayne, Carlo Ricotta. From zero to infinity: Minimum to maximum diversity of the planet by spatio‐parametric Rao’s quadratic entropy. Global Ecology and Biogeography. 2021; 30 (5):1153-1162.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Duccio Rocchini; Matteo Marcantonio; Daniele Da Re; Giovanni Bacaro; Enrico Feoli; Giles M. Foody; Reinhard Furrer; Ryan J. Harrigan; David Kleijn; Martina Iannacito; Jonathan Lenoir; Meixi Lin; Marco Malavasi; Elisa Marchetto; Rachel S. Meyer; Vítězslav Moudry; Fabian D. Schneider; Petra Šímová; Andrew H. Thornhill; Elisa Thouverai; Saverio Vicario; Robert K. Wayne; Carlo Ricotta. 2021. "From zero to infinity: Minimum to maximum diversity of the planet by spatio‐parametric Rao’s quadratic entropy." Global Ecology and Biogeography 30, no. 5: 1153-1162.

Application
Published: 27 February 2021 in Methods in Ecology and Evolution
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Ecosystem heterogeneity has been widely recognized as a key ecological feature, influencing several ecological functions, since it is strictly related to several ecological functions like diversity patterns and change, metapopulation dynamics, population connectivity, or gene flow. In this paper, we present a new R package ‐ rasterdiv ‐ to calculate heterogeneity indices based on remotely sensed data. We also provide an ecological application at the landscape scale and demonstrate its power in revealing potentially hidden heterogeneity patterns. The rasterdiv package allows calculating multiple indices, robustly rooted in Information Theory, and based on reproducible open source algorithms.

ACS Style

Duccio Rocchini; Elisa Thouverai; Matteo Marcantonio; Martina Iannacito; Daniele Da Re; Michele Torresani; Giovanni Bacaro; Manuele Bazzichetto; Alessandra Bernardi; Giles M. Foody; Reinhard Furrer; David Kleijn; Stefano Larsen; Jonathan Lenoir; Marco Malavasi; Elisa Marchetto; Filippo Messori; Alessandro Montaghi; Vítězslav Moudrý; Babak Naimi; Carlo Ricotta; Micol Rossini; Francesco Santi; Maria J. Santos; Michael E. Schaepman; Fabian D. Schneider; Leila Schuh; Sonia Silvestri; Petra Ŝímová; Andrew K. Skidmore; Clara Tattoni; Enrico Tordoni; Saverio Vicario; Piero Zannini; Martin Wegmann. rasterdiv—An Information Theory tailored R package for measuring ecosystem heterogeneity from space: To the origin and back. Methods in Ecology and Evolution 2021, 12, 1093 -1102.

AMA Style

Duccio Rocchini, Elisa Thouverai, Matteo Marcantonio, Martina Iannacito, Daniele Da Re, Michele Torresani, Giovanni Bacaro, Manuele Bazzichetto, Alessandra Bernardi, Giles M. Foody, Reinhard Furrer, David Kleijn, Stefano Larsen, Jonathan Lenoir, Marco Malavasi, Elisa Marchetto, Filippo Messori, Alessandro Montaghi, Vítězslav Moudrý, Babak Naimi, Carlo Ricotta, Micol Rossini, Francesco Santi, Maria J. Santos, Michael E. Schaepman, Fabian D. Schneider, Leila Schuh, Sonia Silvestri, Petra Ŝímová, Andrew K. Skidmore, Clara Tattoni, Enrico Tordoni, Saverio Vicario, Piero Zannini, Martin Wegmann. rasterdiv—An Information Theory tailored R package for measuring ecosystem heterogeneity from space: To the origin and back. Methods in Ecology and Evolution. 2021; 12 (6):1093-1102.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Duccio Rocchini; Elisa Thouverai; Matteo Marcantonio; Martina Iannacito; Daniele Da Re; Michele Torresani; Giovanni Bacaro; Manuele Bazzichetto; Alessandra Bernardi; Giles M. Foody; Reinhard Furrer; David Kleijn; Stefano Larsen; Jonathan Lenoir; Marco Malavasi; Elisa Marchetto; Filippo Messori; Alessandro Montaghi; Vítězslav Moudrý; Babak Naimi; Carlo Ricotta; Micol Rossini; Francesco Santi; Maria J. Santos; Michael E. Schaepman; Fabian D. Schneider; Leila Schuh; Sonia Silvestri; Petra Ŝímová; Andrew K. Skidmore; Clara Tattoni; Enrico Tordoni; Saverio Vicario; Piero Zannini; Martin Wegmann. 2021. "rasterdiv—An Information Theory tailored R package for measuring ecosystem heterogeneity from space: To the origin and back." Methods in Ecology and Evolution 12, no. 6: 1093-1102.

Preprint content
Published: 10 February 2021
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Ecosystem heterogeneity has been widely recognized as a key ecological feature, influencing several ecological functions, since it is strictly related to several ecological functions like diversity patterns and change, metapopulation dynamics, population connectivity, or gene flow. In this paper, we present a new R package - rasterdiv - to calculate heterogeneity indices based on remotely sensed data. We also provide an ecological application at the landscape scale and demonstrate its power in revealing potentially hidden heterogeneity patterns. The rasterdiv package allows calculating multiple indices, robustly rooted in Information Theory, and based on reproducible open source algorithms.

ACS Style

Duccio Rocchini; Elisa Thouverai; Matteo Marcantonio; Martina Iannacito; Daniele Da Re; Michele Torresani; Giovanni Bacaro; Manuele Bazzichetto; Alessandra Bernardi; Giles M. Foody; Reinhard Furrer; David Kleijn; Stefano Larsen; Jonathan Lenoir; Marco Malavasi; Elisa Marchetto; Filippo Messori; Alessandro Montaghi; Vítězslav Moudrý; Babak Naimi; Carlo Ricotta; Micol Rossini; Francesco Santi; Maria J. Santos; Michael Schaepman; Fabian Schneider; Leila Schuh; Sonia Silvestri; Petra Šímová; Andrew K. Skidmore; Clara Tattoni; Enrico Tordoni; Saverio Vicario; Piero Zannini; Martin Wegmann. rasterdiv - an Information Theory tailored R package for measuring ecosystem heterogeneity from space: to the origin and back. 2021, 1 .

AMA Style

Duccio Rocchini, Elisa Thouverai, Matteo Marcantonio, Martina Iannacito, Daniele Da Re, Michele Torresani, Giovanni Bacaro, Manuele Bazzichetto, Alessandra Bernardi, Giles M. Foody, Reinhard Furrer, David Kleijn, Stefano Larsen, Jonathan Lenoir, Marco Malavasi, Elisa Marchetto, Filippo Messori, Alessandro Montaghi, Vítězslav Moudrý, Babak Naimi, Carlo Ricotta, Micol Rossini, Francesco Santi, Maria J. Santos, Michael Schaepman, Fabian Schneider, Leila Schuh, Sonia Silvestri, Petra Šímová, Andrew K. Skidmore, Clara Tattoni, Enrico Tordoni, Saverio Vicario, Piero Zannini, Martin Wegmann. rasterdiv - an Information Theory tailored R package for measuring ecosystem heterogeneity from space: to the origin and back. . 2021; ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Duccio Rocchini; Elisa Thouverai; Matteo Marcantonio; Martina Iannacito; Daniele Da Re; Michele Torresani; Giovanni Bacaro; Manuele Bazzichetto; Alessandra Bernardi; Giles M. Foody; Reinhard Furrer; David Kleijn; Stefano Larsen; Jonathan Lenoir; Marco Malavasi; Elisa Marchetto; Filippo Messori; Alessandro Montaghi; Vítězslav Moudrý; Babak Naimi; Carlo Ricotta; Micol Rossini; Francesco Santi; Maria J. Santos; Michael Schaepman; Fabian Schneider; Leila Schuh; Sonia Silvestri; Petra Šímová; Andrew K. Skidmore; Clara Tattoni; Enrico Tordoni; Saverio Vicario; Piero Zannini; Martin Wegmann. 2021. "rasterdiv - an Information Theory tailored R package for measuring ecosystem heterogeneity from space: to the origin and back." , no. : 1.

Journal article
Published: 11 January 2021 in G3 Genes|Genomes|Genetics
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The mosquito, Culex tarsalis, is a key vector in the western United States due to its role in transmission of zoonotic arboviruses that affect human health. Extensive research has been conducted on Cx. tarsalis ecology, feeding behavior, vector competence, autogeny, diapause, genetics, and insecticide resistance. Population genetic analyses in the western U.S. have identified at least three genetic clusters that are geographically distinct. However, in-depth genetic studies have been hindered by the lack of a reference genome. In this study, we present the first whole-genome assembly of this mosquito species (CtarK1) based on PacBio HiFi reads from high-molecular-weight DNA extracted from a single male. The CtarK1 assembly is 790 Mb with an N50 of 58 kb, which is 27% larger than Culex quinquefasciatus (578 Mb). This difference appears to be mostly composed of transposable elements. To annotate CtarK1, we used a previously assembled Cx. tarsalis transcriptome and approximately 17,456 protein genes from Cx. quinquefasciatus (N = 17,456). Genome completeness was assessed using the Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs (BUSCO) tool, which identified 84.8% of the 2799 Dipteran BUSCO genes. Using a Bayesian phylogeny based on mitochondrial genomes, we place Cx. tarsalis in the context of other mosquito species and estimate the divergence between Cx. tarsalis and Cx. quinquefasciatus to be between 15.8 and 22.2 million years ago (MYA). Important next steps from this work include characterizing the genetic basis of diapause and sex determination in Culex mosquitoes.

ACS Style

Bradley J Main; Matteo Marcantonio; J Spencer Johnston; Jason L Rasgon; C Titus Brown; Christopher M Barker. Whole-genome assembly of Culex tarsalis. G3 Genes|Genomes|Genetics 2021, 11, 1 .

AMA Style

Bradley J Main, Matteo Marcantonio, J Spencer Johnston, Jason L Rasgon, C Titus Brown, Christopher M Barker. Whole-genome assembly of Culex tarsalis. G3 Genes|Genomes|Genetics. 2021; 11 (2):1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Bradley J Main; Matteo Marcantonio; J Spencer Johnston; Jason L Rasgon; C Titus Brown; Christopher M Barker. 2021. "Whole-genome assembly of Culex tarsalis." G3 Genes|Genomes|Genetics 11, no. 2: 1.

Journal article
Published: 03 November 2020 in Ecological Informatics
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Aedes aegypti are feared invasive mosquitoes as they transmit pathogens which cause debilitating diseases in humans. Although mainland Europe has not yet witnessed re-establishment and dispersal of Ae. aegypti populations, several urban areas along coastlines represent suitable habitats for the species. In addition, European coastal areas are characterised by high exotic species propagule pressure, due to dense international ship traffic. To assess the likelihood of establishment in order to guide surveillance and control planning, we applied a process-based population dynamical model to simulate both the life cycle and dispersal of Ae. aegypti at the local scale after its introduction through ship traffic. We selected five European ports along a latitudinal gradient by considering both environmental conditions and the economical importance of ports: Algeciras and Barcelona in Spain; Venice and Genoa in Italy and Rotterdam in the Netherlands. The model was informed using parameters relevant for Ae. aegypti biology, fine-scale temperature time-series, urban structures and road networks. According to model results, the introduction of small quantities of Ae. aegypti eggs (10−1000) has the potential to cause species establishment, high local densities and slow initial dispersal in the two southernmost study areas, Algeciras and Barcelona, whereas Genoa is at the edge of suitability. Barcelona had the highest simulated mosquito densities (584 females/ha), whereas Algeciras densities were never more than 32 females/ha, but were higher during the colder seasons. The median spatial spread of the species varied between a few hundred meters to 2 km/year and was affected by the structure of the road network, topography and urban sprawl along the coast in the surrounding of the port of introduction. The study areas of Genoa, Venice and Rotterdam were found not suitable for establishment of this mosquito species, however, climate change could create conditions for Ae. aegypti invasion in these regions in the next decades. It is commonly accepted that targeted monitoring and early control actions are the most effective methods to hinder the establishment of invasive species in new areas. Our findings and model framework may support surveillance initiatives for those European coastal urban areas which are known to have high propagule pressure and a high modelled probability of Ae. aegypti establishment.

ACS Style

Daniele Da Re; Diego Montecino-Latorre; Sophie O. Vanwambeke; Matteo Marcantonio. Will the yellow fever mosquito colonise Europe? Assessing the re-introduction of Aedes aegypti using a process-based population dynamical model. Ecological Informatics 2020, 61, 101180 .

AMA Style

Daniele Da Re, Diego Montecino-Latorre, Sophie O. Vanwambeke, Matteo Marcantonio. Will the yellow fever mosquito colonise Europe? Assessing the re-introduction of Aedes aegypti using a process-based population dynamical model. Ecological Informatics. 2020; 61 ():101180.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Daniele Da Re; Diego Montecino-Latorre; Sophie O. Vanwambeke; Matteo Marcantonio. 2020. "Will the yellow fever mosquito colonise Europe? Assessing the re-introduction of Aedes aegypti using a process-based population dynamical model." Ecological Informatics 61, no. : 101180.

Preprint content
Published: 18 February 2020
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The mosquito, Culex tarsalis, is a key vector in the western United States due to its role in transmission of zoonotic arboviruses that affect human health. Extensive research has been conducted on Cx. tarsalis ecology, feeding behavior, vector competence, autogeny, diapause, genetics, and insecticide resistance. Population genetic analyses in the western U.S. have identified at least three genetic clusters that are geographically distinct. Salivary gland-specific gene expression has also revealed genes involved in blood feeding. However, genetic studies of this mosquito have been hindered by the lack of a reference genome. To facilitate genomic studies in Cx. tarsalis, we have assembled and annotated a reference genome (CtarK1) based on PacBio HiFi reads from a single male. Using the Cx. tarsalis transcriptome and protein sequences from Culex quinquefasciatus, approximately 17,456 protein-coding genes, including the para insecticide resistance gene, were annotated in the CtarK1 genome. Genome completeness was assessed using the Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs (BUSCO) tool, which identified 84.8% of the 2799 Dipteran BUSCO genes. The CtarK1 assembly is 790Mb with an N50 of 58kb. Using full mitochondrial genome alignments with other sequenced mosquito genomes we present a Bayesian phylogeny, which estimates that the divergence of Cx. tarsalis from Culex quinquefasciatus, the most closely related mosquito species with a genome, occurred 15.8-22.2 million years ago.

ACS Style

Bradley J. Main; Matteo Marcantonio; Spencer Johnston; Jason Rasgon; C. Titus Brown; Christopher M. Barker. Whole genome assembly of Culex tarsalis. 2020, 1 .

AMA Style

Bradley J. Main, Matteo Marcantonio, Spencer Johnston, Jason Rasgon, C. Titus Brown, Christopher M. Barker. Whole genome assembly of Culex tarsalis. . 2020; ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Bradley J. Main; Matteo Marcantonio; Spencer Johnston; Jason Rasgon; C. Titus Brown; Christopher M. Barker. 2020. "Whole genome assembly of Culex tarsalis." , no. : 1.

Disease ecology
Published: 05 December 2019 in Ecosphere
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The dispersal of the invasive mosquito Aedes aegypti in urbanized areas has received attention due to the hazard that this species poses to human health. However, we know little about this process at temperate latitudes, especially in recently colonized semi‐arid regions of the southwestern United States that differ ecologically from more typical habitats in the tropics. We collected data on Ae. aegypti dispersal through a mark–release–recapture (MRR) study in Central California. We employed stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen to mark released mosquitoes. We characterized Ae. aegypti dispersal capacity using both traditional measures of central tendency and dispersal kernel theory coupled with space–time models, allowing for effects of environmental factors to provide more reliable dispersal estimates. Dispersal of Ae. aegypti was similar between females and males, and we found the mean distances traveled to be 224–240 m from the release location when estimated by conventional methods. Model‐based inference allowed for a more nuanced interpretation, with even greater dispersal distances possible depending on direction and environmental context. Our results showed that experimental conditions, such as spatial arrangement of traps and duration of the recapture period, as well as environmental conditions, such as wind speed and direction, altered the probability of recapturing marked mosquitoes, and therefore the observed dispersal pattern. This represents the first assessment of Ae. aegypti dispersal in the semi‐arid southwestern United States, which is unique among published studies in that the period of peak annual Ae. aegypti abundance coincides with cumulative precipitation close to zero. Results show that this species dispersed on average farther than commonly documented for other areas of the world. Our findings provide information for defining spatial control strategies, such as incompatible insect technique, which rely on a clear understanding of dispersal rates among neighboring areas.

ACS Style

Matteo Marcantonio; Trinidad Reyes; Christopher M. Barker. Quantifying Aedes aegypti dispersal in space and time: a modeling approach. Ecosphere 2019, 10, 1 .

AMA Style

Matteo Marcantonio, Trinidad Reyes, Christopher M. Barker. Quantifying Aedes aegypti dispersal in space and time: a modeling approach. Ecosphere. 2019; 10 (12):1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Matteo Marcantonio; Trinidad Reyes; Christopher M. Barker. 2019. "Quantifying Aedes aegypti dispersal in space and time: a modeling approach." Ecosphere 10, no. 12: 1.

Review
Published: 29 September 2019 in Data
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We currently live in an era of major global change that has led to the introduction and range expansion of numerous invasive species worldwide. In addition to the ecological and economic consequences associated with most invasive species, invasive arthropods that vector pathogens (IAVPs) to humans and animals pose substantial health risks. Species distribution models that are informed using environmental Earth data are frequently employed to predict the distribution of invasive species, and to advise targeted mitigation strategies. However, there are currently substantial mismatches in the temporal and spatial resolution of these data and the environmental contexts which affect IAVPs. Consequently, targeted actions to control invasive species or to prepare the population for possible disease outbreaks may lack efficacy. Here, we identify and discuss how the currently available environmental Earth data are lacking with respect to their applications in species distribution modeling, particularly when predicting the potential distribution of IAVPs at meaningful space-time scales. For example, we examine the issues related to interpolation of weather station data and the lack of microclimatic data relevant to the environment experienced by IAVPs. In addition, we suggest how these data gaps can be filled, including through the possible development of a dedicated open access database, where data from both remotely- and proximally-sensed sources can be stored, shared, and accessed.

ACS Style

Emily L. Pascoe; Sajid Pareeth; Duccio Rocchini; Matteo Marcantonio. A Lack of “Environmental Earth Data” at the Microhabitat Scale Impacts Efforts to Control Invasive Arthropods That Vector Pathogens. Data 2019, 4, 133 .

AMA Style

Emily L. Pascoe, Sajid Pareeth, Duccio Rocchini, Matteo Marcantonio. A Lack of “Environmental Earth Data” at the Microhabitat Scale Impacts Efforts to Control Invasive Arthropods That Vector Pathogens. Data. 2019; 4 (4):133.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Emily L. Pascoe; Sajid Pareeth; Duccio Rocchini; Matteo Marcantonio. 2019. "A Lack of “Environmental Earth Data” at the Microhabitat Scale Impacts Efforts to Control Invasive Arthropods That Vector Pathogens." Data 4, no. 4: 133.

Journal article
Published: 24 July 2019 in Insects
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Mark-recapture methods constitute a set of classical ecological tools that are used to collect information on species dispersal and population size. These methods have advanced knowledge in disparate scientific fields, from conservation biology to pest control. Gathering information on the dispersal of mosquito species, such as Aedes aegypti, has become critical since the recognition of their role as vectors of pathogens. Here, we evaluate a method to mark mosquitoes that exploits the rare alkali metals rubidium (Rb) and caesium (Cs), which have been used previously to mark adult insects through feeding. We revised this method by adding Rb and Cs directly to water in which the immature stages of Ae. aegypti were allowed to develop. We then assessed the effect of Rb- and Cs-enriched water on fitness, survival and bioaccumulation in both adult females and their eggs. Results indicated that Cs had adverse effects on Ae. aegypti, even at low concentrations, whereas Rb at low concentrations had no measured effects on exposed individuals and accumulated at detectable levels in adult females. The method described here relies on passive uptake of Rb during immature stages, which has the benefit of avoiding handling or manipulation of the dispersive adults, which enables purer measurement of movement. Moreover, we demonstrated that Rb was transferred efficiently from the marked females to their eggs. To our knowledge, Rb is the only marker used for mosquitoes that has been shown to transfer vertically from females to eggs. The application of Rb rather than more traditional markers may therefore increase the quality (no impact on released individuals) and quantity (both adults and eggs are marked) of data collected during MR studies. The method we propose here can be used in combination with other markers, such as stable isotopes, in order to maximize the information collected during MR experiments.

ACS Style

Matteo Marcantonio; Olivia C. Winokur; Christopher M. Barker. Revisiting Alkali Metals As a Tool to Characterize Patterns of Mosquito Dispersal and Oviposition. Insects 2019, 10, 220 .

AMA Style

Matteo Marcantonio, Olivia C. Winokur, Christopher M. Barker. Revisiting Alkali Metals As a Tool to Characterize Patterns of Mosquito Dispersal and Oviposition. Insects. 2019; 10 (8):220.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Matteo Marcantonio; Olivia C. Winokur; Christopher M. Barker. 2019. "Revisiting Alkali Metals As a Tool to Characterize Patterns of Mosquito Dispersal and Oviposition." Insects 10, no. 8: 220.

Journal article
Published: 08 July 2019 in Insects
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The Amblyomma genus of ticks comprises species that are aggressive human biters and vectors of pathogens. Numerous species in the genus are undergoing rapid range expansion. Amblyomma ticks have occasionally been introduced into California, but as yet, no established populations have been reported in the state. Because California has high ecological diversity and is a transport hub for potentially parasitized humans and animals, the risk of future Amblyomma establishment may be high. We used ecological niche modeling to predict areas in California suitable for four tick species that pose high risk to humans: Amblyomma americanum, Amblyomma maculatum, Amblyomma cajennense and Amblyomma mixtum. We collected presence data in the Americas for each species from the published literature and online databases. Twenty-three climatic and ecological variables were used in a MaxEnt algorithm to predict the distribution of each species. The minimum temperature of the coldest month was an important predictor for all four species due to high mortality of Amblyomma at low temperatures. Areas in California appear to be ecologically suitable for A. americanum, A. maculatum, and A. cajennense, but not A. mixtum. These findings could inform targeted surveillance prior to an invasion event, to allow mitigation actions to be quickly implemented.

ACS Style

Emily L. Pascoe; Matteo Marcantonio; Cyril Caminade; Janet E. Foley. Modeling Potential Habitat for Amblyomma Tick Species in California. Insects 2019, 10, 201 .

AMA Style

Emily L. Pascoe, Matteo Marcantonio, Cyril Caminade, Janet E. Foley. Modeling Potential Habitat for Amblyomma Tick Species in California. Insects. 2019; 10 (7):201.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Emily L. Pascoe; Matteo Marcantonio; Cyril Caminade; Janet E. Foley. 2019. "Modeling Potential Habitat for Amblyomma Tick Species in California." Insects 10, no. 7: 201.

Original paper
Published: 04 September 2018 in European Journal of Forest Research
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The ‘road-effect zone’ is a concept developed to describe the impact of road construction on the surrounding area. Although many aspects of the road-effect zone have been investigated, the road-effect zone on soil properties (pH, bulk density, soil moisture, electrical conductivity, organic matter (%), C (%), total N (%), available Na, Ca, Mg, P, and K), light regimes (leaf area index and canopy cover), and a Raunkiaer’s life-form classification of plants remains poorly understood, especially in oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) forests. Hence, the main aims of this research were to estimate the extent of the road-effect zone and to identify the main environmental changes due to forest roads. Specifically, we aimed to evaluate road-effects on: (1) the composition of herbaceous species and tree regeneration (up to 100 m distance from the forest road); (2) the light regime; and (3) soil properties, potentially related to changes in ecosystem functions and composition. We observed that forest roads can have significant impacts on soil, stand characteristics, and vegetation composition. The estimated road-effect zone extended up to 30 m from the road edge. Landscape planners should be aware that road-effect zones can potentially influence the ecology and environmental conditions of an area up to 30 m from the road edge.

ACS Style

Azade Deljouei; Seyed Mohammad Moein Sadeghi; Ehsan Abdi; Markus Bernhardt-Römermann; Emily Louise Pascoe; Matteo Marcantonio. The impact of road disturbance on vegetation and soil properties in a beech stand, Hyrcanian forest. European Journal of Forest Research 2018, 137, 759 -770.

AMA Style

Azade Deljouei, Seyed Mohammad Moein Sadeghi, Ehsan Abdi, Markus Bernhardt-Römermann, Emily Louise Pascoe, Matteo Marcantonio. The impact of road disturbance on vegetation and soil properties in a beech stand, Hyrcanian forest. European Journal of Forest Research. 2018; 137 (6):759-770.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Azade Deljouei; Seyed Mohammad Moein Sadeghi; Ehsan Abdi; Markus Bernhardt-Römermann; Emily Louise Pascoe; Matteo Marcantonio. 2018. "The impact of road disturbance on vegetation and soil properties in a beech stand, Hyrcanian forest." European Journal of Forest Research 137, no. 6: 759-770.

Journal article
Published: 21 July 2017 in Remote Sensing
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Given the growing risk of arbovirus outbreaks in Europe, there is a clear need to better describe the distribution of invasive mosquito species such as Aedes albopictus. Current challenges consist in simulating Ae. albopictus abundance, rather than its presence, and mapping its simulated abundance at a local scale to better assess the transmission risk of mosquito-borne pathogens and optimize mosquito control strategy. During 2014–2015, we sampled adult mosquitoes using 72 BG-Sentinel traps per year in the provinces of Belluno and Trento, Italy. We found that the sum of Ae. albopictus females collected during eight trap nights from June to September was positively related to the mean temperature of the warmest quarter and the percentage of artificial areas in a 250 m buffer around the sampling locations. Maps of Ae. albopictus abundance simulated from the most parsimonious model in the study area showed the largest populations in highly artificial areas with the highest summer temperatures, but with a high uncertainty due to the variability of the trapping collections. Vector abundance maps at a local scale should be promoted to support stakeholders and policy-makers in optimizing vector surveillance and control.

ACS Style

Frédéric Baldacchino; Matteo Marcantonio; Mattia Manica; Giovanni Marini; Roberto Zorer; Luca Delucchi; Daniele Arnoldi; Fabrizio Montarsi; Gioia Capelli; Annapaola Rizzoli; Roberto Rosà. Mapping of Aedes albopictus Abundance at a Local Scale in Italy. Remote Sensing 2017, 9, 749 .

AMA Style

Frédéric Baldacchino, Matteo Marcantonio, Mattia Manica, Giovanni Marini, Roberto Zorer, Luca Delucchi, Daniele Arnoldi, Fabrizio Montarsi, Gioia Capelli, Annapaola Rizzoli, Roberto Rosà. Mapping of Aedes albopictus Abundance at a Local Scale in Italy. Remote Sensing. 2017; 9 (7):749.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Frédéric Baldacchino; Matteo Marcantonio; Mattia Manica; Giovanni Marini; Roberto Zorer; Luca Delucchi; Daniele Arnoldi; Fabrizio Montarsi; Gioia Capelli; Annapaola Rizzoli; Roberto Rosà. 2017. "Mapping of Aedes albopictus Abundance at a Local Scale in Italy." Remote Sensing 9, no. 7: 749.

Journal article
Published: 01 January 2017 in Trends in Parasitology
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In an international research environment, accurate communication is vital. However, the scientific literature does not always utilise consistent terminology and the misuse of some expressions in epidemiology is rife. We encourage the correct terms to be used appropriately to avoid confusion between scientists, policy makers, and members of the public.

ACS Style

Matteo Marcantonio; Emily L. Pascoe; Frédéric Baldacchino. Sometimes Scientists Get the Flu. Wrong…! Trends in Parasitology 2017, 33, 7 -9.

AMA Style

Matteo Marcantonio, Emily L. Pascoe, Frédéric Baldacchino. Sometimes Scientists Get the Flu. Wrong…! Trends in Parasitology. 2017; 33 (1):7-9.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Matteo Marcantonio; Emily L. Pascoe; Frédéric Baldacchino. 2017. "Sometimes Scientists Get the Flu. Wrong…!" Trends in Parasitology 33, no. 1: 7-9.

Article
Published: 13 September 2016 in Pest Management Science
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BACKGROUNDIn Europe, Aedes albopictus is an invasive mosquito species known to be a major nuisance as well as a vector of a range of arboviruses. A number of studies have indicated that community participation programmes are an effective pest control tool to reduce mosquito populations. However, few studies have evaluated the effectiveness of a community-based approach in Europe. In this study, we examined two Ae. albopictus control strategies that implemented a community-based approach in northern Italy: one was a partial intervention that included a public education campaign and the larviciding of public spaces, and the other was a full intervention that additionally included a door-to-door campaign. This latter consisted of going door to door actively to educate residents about control measures and deliver larvicide tablets for treating catch basins at home. A site where no intervention measures were carried out was used as a control.RESULTSIn the site where a full intervention was carried out, Ae. albopictus egg density was 1.6 times less than at the site that received partial intervention, and 1.9 times less than at the non-intervention site. No significant reduction in egg density was achieved in the partial intervention site.CONCLUSIONSIn our study, Ae. albopictus populations were most effectively reduced by larviciding both public and private catch basins. Door-to-door education was effective in convincing residents to apply control measures on their property; however, this method was labour intensive and costly. It may be possible to reduce personnel costs by involving volunteers or using a ‘hot spot’ approach. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry

ACS Style

Frédéric Baldacchino; Francesca Bussola; Daniele Arnoldi; Matteo Marcantonio; Fabrizio Montarsi; Gioia Capelli; Roberto Rosà; Annapaola Rizzoli. An integrated pest control strategy against the Asian tiger mosquito in northern Italy: a case study. Pest Management Science 2016, 73, 87 -93.

AMA Style

Frédéric Baldacchino, Francesca Bussola, Daniele Arnoldi, Matteo Marcantonio, Fabrizio Montarsi, Gioia Capelli, Roberto Rosà, Annapaola Rizzoli. An integrated pest control strategy against the Asian tiger mosquito in northern Italy: a case study. Pest Management Science. 2016; 73 (1):87-93.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Frédéric Baldacchino; Francesca Bussola; Daniele Arnoldi; Matteo Marcantonio; Fabrizio Montarsi; Gioia Capelli; Roberto Rosà; Annapaola Rizzoli. 2016. "An integrated pest control strategy against the Asian tiger mosquito in northern Italy: a case study." Pest Management Science 73, no. 1: 87-93.

Journal article
Published: 03 February 2016 in Parasites & Vectors
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Invasive alien species represent a growing threat for natural systems, economy and human health. Active surveillance and responses that readily suppress newly established colonies are effective actions to mitigate the noxious consequences of biological invasions. However, when an exotic species establishes a viable population in a new area, predicting its potential spread is the most effective way to implement adequate control actions. Emerging invasive species, despite monitoring efforts, are poorly known in terms of behaviour and capacity to adapt to the new invaded range. Therefore, tools that provide information on their spread by maximising the available data, are critical. We apply three different approaches to model the potential distribution of an emerging invasive mosquito, Aedes koreicus, in Northeast Italy: 1) an automatic statistical approach based on information theory, 2) a statistical approach integrated with prior knowledge, and 3) a GIS physiology-based approach. Each approach possessed benefits and limitations, and the required ecological information increases on a scale from 1 to 3. We validated the model outputs using the only other known invaded area in Europe. Finally, we applied a road network analysis to the suitability surface with the highest prediction power to highlight those areas with the highest likelihood of invasion. The GIS physiological-based model had the highest prediction power. It showed that localities currently occupied by Aedes koreicus represent only a small fraction of the potentially suitable area. Furthermore, the modelled niche included areas as high as 1500 m a.s.l., only partially overlapping with Aedes albopictus distribution. The simulated spread indicated that all of the suitable portion of the study area is at risk of invasion in a relatively short period of time if no control policies are implemented. Stochastic events may further boost the invasion process, whereas competition with Aedes albopictus may limit it. According to our analysis, some of the major cities in the study area may have already been invaded. Further monitoring is needed to confirm this finding. The developed models and maps represent valuable tools to inform policies aimed at eradicating or mitigating Aedes koreicus invasion in Northeast Italy and Central Europe.

ACS Style

Matteo Marcantonio; Markus Metz; Frédéric Baldacchino; Daniele Arnoldi; Fabrizio Montarsi; Gioia Capelli; Sara Carlin; Markus Neteler; Annapaola Rizzoli. First assessment of potential distribution and dispersal capacity of the emerging invasive mosquito Aedes koreicus in Northeast Italy. Parasites & Vectors 2016, 9, 63 .

AMA Style

Matteo Marcantonio, Markus Metz, Frédéric Baldacchino, Daniele Arnoldi, Fabrizio Montarsi, Gioia Capelli, Sara Carlin, Markus Neteler, Annapaola Rizzoli. First assessment of potential distribution and dispersal capacity of the emerging invasive mosquito Aedes koreicus in Northeast Italy. Parasites & Vectors. 2016; 9 (1):63.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Matteo Marcantonio; Markus Metz; Frédéric Baldacchino; Daniele Arnoldi; Fabrizio Montarsi; Gioia Capelli; Sara Carlin; Markus Neteler; Annapaola Rizzoli. 2016. "First assessment of potential distribution and dispersal capacity of the emerging invasive mosquito Aedes koreicus in Northeast Italy." Parasites & Vectors 9, no. 1: 63.

Research article
Published: 24 March 2015 in PLOS ONE
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West Nile Virus (WNV) is a globally important mosquito borne virus, with significant implications for human and animal health. The emergence and spread of new lineages, and increased pathogenicity, is the cause of escalating public health concern. Pinpointing the environmental conditions that favour WNV circulation and transmission to humans is challenging, due both to the complexity of its biological cycle, and the under-diagnosis and reporting of epidemiological data. Here, we used remote sensing and GIS to enable collation of multiple types of environmental data over a continental spatial scale, in order to model annual West Nile Fever (WNF) incidence across Europe and neighbouring countries. Multi-model selection and inference were used to gain a consensus from multiple linear mixed models. Climate and landscape were key predictors of WNF outbreaks (specifically, high precipitation in late winter/early spring, high summer temperatures, summer drought, occurrence of irrigated croplands and highly fragmented forests). Identification of the environmental conditions associated with WNF outbreaks is key to enabling public health bodies to properly focus surveillance and mitigation of West Nile virus impact, but more work needs to be done to enable accurate predictions of WNF risk.

ACS Style

Matteo Marcantonio; Annapaola Rizzoli; Markus Metz; Roberto Rosà; Giovanni Marini; Elizabeth Chadwick; Markus Neteler. Identifying the Environmental Conditions Favouring West Nile Virus Outbreaks in Europe. PLOS ONE 2015, 10, e0121158 -e0121158.

AMA Style

Matteo Marcantonio, Annapaola Rizzoli, Markus Metz, Roberto Rosà, Giovanni Marini, Elizabeth Chadwick, Markus Neteler. Identifying the Environmental Conditions Favouring West Nile Virus Outbreaks in Europe. PLOS ONE. 2015; 10 (3):e0121158-e0121158.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Matteo Marcantonio; Annapaola Rizzoli; Markus Metz; Roberto Rosà; Giovanni Marini; Elizabeth Chadwick; Markus Neteler. 2015. "Identifying the Environmental Conditions Favouring West Nile Virus Outbreaks in Europe." PLOS ONE 10, no. 3: e0121158-e0121158.