1. Macrojellyfish (Scyphozoa and Ctenophora) in two enclosed marine systems (the sea of Marmara and Adriatic sea) : a reviewMelek Isinibilir, Alenka Malej, Davor Lučić, Martin Vodopivec, 2024, samostojni znanstveni sestavek ali poglavje v monografski publikaciji Povzetek: Although geographically well apart, there are interesting similarities between the ecosystems of the Sea of Marmara and the Adriatic Sea. In this study, following an evaluation of the ecological problems as well as oceanography, productivity, plankton biomass of these seas, macro-jellyfish ecology of the two ecosystems were discussed comparatively. The Sea of Marmara and the Adriatic Sea are among the areas where increases in jellyfish and mucilage events have been observed in recent decades. Environmental problems such as global warming, oxygen depletion, eutrophication, overfishing, intense maritime traffic, and habitat destruction are causing opportunistic and alien species to increase in both abundance and number of species. As biodiversity declines due to habitat destruction, so does the ecosystem’s means and ability to combat the invasion of alien species in both ecosystems. Accordingly, disruption of lower food chains can put pressure on the entire ecosystem and affect socio-ecological prospects. The number of species of Scyphozoa and Ctenophora was found to be higher in the Adraitic Sea compared to the Sea of Marmara. Mass occurrences with a clear seasonal pattern and related to the geographical location were observed for Aurelia aurita, Rhizostoma pulmo, Chrysaora hysoscella and non-native Mnemiopsis leidyi in the Marmara Sea. However, although A. aurita and R. pulmo show widespread blooms according to the seasons and regions in the Adriatic Sea, C. hysoscella and M. leidyi produced blooms limited to a few areas. Negative and positive interactions of macrojelyfishes with human were also considered. Semi-enclosed seas such as the Sea of Marmara and the Adriatic Sea are representative of many temperate coastal waters where climate change and anthropogenic stressors are increasing, and the ecosystem has changed from a fish-dominated to a jellyfish-dominated ecosystem. Ključne besede: jellyfish, eutrophication, diversity, introduce, fisheries Objavljeno v DiRROS: 07.05.2025; Ogledov: 114; Prenosov: 52
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2. Diversity of the surface microbiome of canopy-forming brown macroalgae (Fucales) in the northern AdriaticNeža Orel, Ana Lokovšek, Martina Orlando-Bonaca, Tinkara Tinta, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Canopy-forming brown macroalgae (Fucales) offer numerous key ecosystem services in Mediterranean coastal areas. However, anthropogenic pressures and climate change have significantly impacted their habitats, leading to an extensive population decline. Interactions between algae and microbiota are a major ecological aspect, yet they represent a significant knowledge gap. In our baseline study, we describe the diversity and host specificity of the microbiome of two genetically identical but morphologically distinct populations of Gongolaria barbata from anthropogenically impacted northern Adriatic Sea. Our preliminary results showed that the microbiomes of G. barbata exhibited low host specificity, with 75% of the algae-associated amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) being part of the core coastal ecosystem microbiome. However, microbiomes of specific algal parts, ambient seawater, and sediment differed significantly in terms of alpha diversity and composition. In contrast, the holdfast and axis show higher similarity with sediment microbiomes, indicating potential horizontal transmission pathways. Microbiomes associated with deciduous parts of morphologically distinct G. barbata populations showed no difference in alpha diversity and composition. In contrast, higher variation in alpha diversity and lower sequence proportion of shared ASVs were observed in the holdfast and axis of the two distinct populations. Our observational study provides valuable new insights and baseline for future hypothesis-driven research on the interactions between algae and associated microbiota—a knowledge gap that needs to be addressed in the future for better understanding of the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of coastal ecosystems. Ključne besede: ecosystem services, anthropogenic pressures, microbiome, host specificity, alpha diversity, marine biology, ecology Objavljeno v DiRROS: 18.04.2025; Ogledov: 152; Prenosov: 121
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3. Comprehensive insights into Pseudo-nitzschia research in the Adriatic Sea : diverse perspectives and emerging discoveriesTimotej Turk Dermastia, Janja Francé, Jasna Arapov, Francesca Neri, Stefano Accoroni, Cecilia Totti, Federica Cerino, Maria Immacolata Ferrante, Fabrizio Bernardi Aubry, Stefania Finotto, Jelena Godrijan, Dragana Drakulović, Patricija Mozetič, 2025, pregledni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Pseudo-nitzschia, a globally distributed diatom genus, dominates phytoplankton communities in biomass and abundance, with some species producing domoic acid (DA), the neurotoxin responsible for Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP). The Adriatic Sea has become a hub of Pseudo-nitzschia research over the past 15 years. This review synthesizes multidisciplinary research across Adriatic sub-basins, integrating morphological, genetic, and ecological data. While ASP has never been documented in the Adriatic, DA was occasionally detected in shellfish. The production was linked to toxic species such as P. multistriata, P. calliantha, and P. galaxiae, which were found to produce DA in cultures from Adriatic isolates. Despite progress, LM-based monitoring remains prevalent, underestimating species complexity and toxigenic potential. Electron microscopy and genetic barcoding have nonetheless revealed new insights into the species composition of this genus in Adriatic. A total of 14 species have been reported so far with prominent regional disparity: the northern and middle Adriatic host higher diversity, contrasting with the southern Adriatic, where only five species were confirmed, and research remains sparse. Seasonal dynamics show summer-autumn peaks in abundance, though interannual and regional variability is notable. We present recent advances from the Adriatic including the discovery of Pseudo-nitzschia-infecting viruses, population genomic insights in P. multistriata, and metabarcoding-driven revelations of cryptic diversity. Finally, we highlight critical knowledge gaps, including the ecological drivers of toxicity and the impacts of oligotrophication on community shifts. Collaborative, high-resolution methodologies (e.g., omics, automated imaging) are urged to address emerging challenges under climate change and anthropogenic pressures. Ključne besede: Adriatic, Pseudo-nitzschia, diversity, ecology Objavljeno v DiRROS: 14.04.2025; Ogledov: 190; Prenosov: 76
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4. Dolomedes fishing spider biology: gaps and opportunities for future researchKuang-Ping Yu, Zita Roithmair, Jillian Kurovski, Simon J. Connolly, Cor J. Vink, James Chadwick Johnson, Simona Kralj-Fišer, Matjaž Kuntner, Eileen A. Hebets, Christina J. Painting, 2024, pregledni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Dolomedes may easily be considered to be among the most charismatic spider taxa. Known colloquially as fishing or raft spiders, this clade of dolomedid cursorial hunters is speciose with about 100 valid species names. Most Dolomedes are large spiders that inhabit water bodies across all continents except Antarctica and, interestingly, South America. Dolomedes have captured the attention of researchers and the public alike for their ability to walk on and submerge under water, fish for prey (including small vertebrates), and for their often-bizarre mating behavior that includes examples of male spontaneous death and sexual cannibalism. In this review, we critically evaluate what is known of Dolomedes biology, focusing on their systematics and morphology, ecology, behavior, and conservation. Given their close association with water, Dolomedes may be particularly vulnerable to the impacts of anthropogenic change and provide an important group of indicator species for understanding the effect of pollution, habitat loss and climate change. We outline a roadmap for future studies that, in our view, will consolidate Dolomedes as an ideal model lineage among spiders for addressing a vast array of questions across multiple fields of biology. Ključne besede: raft spiders, behavioral ecology, diversity, physiology, evolution, conservation, Dolomedidae Objavljeno v DiRROS: 28.03.2025; Ogledov: 227; Prenosov: 132
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5. Insights into diversity, host-range, and temporal stability of Bacteroides and Phocaeicola prophagesNejc Stopnišek, Stina Hedžet, Tomaž Accetto, Maja Rupnik, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Background Phages are critical components of the gut microbiome, influencing bacterial composition and function as predators, parasites, and modulators of bacterial phenotypes. Prophages, integrated forms of these phages, are prevalent in many bacterial genomes and play a role in bacterial adaptation and evolution. However, the diversity and stability of prophages within gut commensals, particularly in the genera Bacteroides and Phocaeicola, remain underexplored. This study aims to screen and characterize prophages in these genera, providing insights into their diversity, host range, and temporal dynamics in the human gut. Results Using a combination of three bioinformatic tools—Cenote-Taker 3, Vibrant, and PHASTER—we conducted a comprehensive analysis of prophages in Bacteroides and Phocaeicola. Cenote-Taker 3 identified the most diverse set of prophages, with significant overlaps observed between the tools. After clustering high-quality prophages, we identified 22 unique viral operational taxonomic units (vOTUs). Notably, comparisons between prophages identified in isolated bacterial genomes, metaviromes, and large public gut virome databases revealed a broader host range than initially observed in single isolates. Certain prophages were consistent across time points and individuals, suggesting temporal stability. All identified prophages belonged to the Caudoviricetes class and contained genes related to antibiotic resistance, toxin production, and metabolic processes. Conclusions The combined use of multiple prophage detection tools allowed for a more comprehensive assessment of prophage diversity in Bacteroides and Phocaeicola. The identified prophages were not only prevalent but also exhibited broad host ranges and temporal stability. The presence of antibiotic resistance and toxin genes suggests that these prophages may significantly influence bacterial community structure and function in the gut, with potential implications for human health. These findings highlight the importance of using diverse detection tools to accurately assess prophage diversity and dynamics. Ključne besede: prophage detection, Bacteroides, Phocaeicola, gut microbiome, prophage diversity, Caudoviricetes, antibiotic resistance, phage-bacteria interactions, temporal stability Objavljeno v DiRROS: 06.03.2025; Ogledov: 224; Prenosov: 188
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6. How Is TikTok #interreligious? : an inductive thematic analysisAída Velasco Morla, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: This study analyzes how TikTok allows users to make interreligious practices visible and share them, highlighting the coexistence between different religious traditions. Through the platform, creators showcase scenes of daily coexistence, interreligious events, and mixed ceremonies, while also denouncing the discrimi-nation and disapproval associated with interreligious relationships. Three main themes were developed using inductive thematic analysis: Interreligious Sentimen-tal Relationships (67.9%), Interreligious Experiences (21.8%), and Interreligious Facts and Information (10.3%). The study suggests that TikTok acts as a space for self-representation and in-terreligious connection through the hashtags #interreligious and #interfaith, over-coming echo chambers and increasing the visibility of interreligious content. The creation of religious content on TikTok materializes faith and expands the indivi-dual-group-Sacred interaction to a global environment, where religious practices are shared and reinterpreted Ključne besede: interreligious, interfaith, TikTok, thematic analysis, diversity Objavljeno v DiRROS: 11.02.2025; Ogledov: 252; Prenosov: 149
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7. Application of self-organizing maps to explore the interactions of microorganisms with soil properties in fruit crops under different management and pedo-climatic conditionsFrancesca Antonucci, Simona Violino, Loredana Canfora, Malgorzata Tartanus, Ewa M. Furmanczyk, Sara Turci, Maria Grazia Tommasini, Nika Cvelbar Weber, Jaka Razinger, Morgane Ourry, Samuel Bickel, Thomas A. J. Passey, Anne Bohr, Heinrich Maisel, Massimo Pugliese, Francesco Vitali, Stefano Mocali, Federico Pallottino, Simone Figorilli, Corrado Costa, Eligio Malusà, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Self-organizing maps (SOMs) are a class of neural network algorithms able to visually describe a high-dimensional dataset onto a two-dimensional grid. SOMs were explored to classify soils based on an array of physical, chemical, and biological parameters. Methods: The SOM analysis was performed considering soil physical, chemical, and microbial data gathered from an array of apple orchards and strawberry plantations managed by organic or conventional methods and located in different European climatic zones. Results: The SOM analysis considering the “climatic zone” categorical variables was able to discriminate the samples from the three zones for both crops. The zones were associated with different soil textures and chemical characteristics, and for both crops, the Continental zone was associated with microbial parameters—including biodiversity indices derived from the NGS data analysis. However, the SOM analysis based on the “management method” categorical variables was not able to discriminate the soils between organic and integrated management. Conclusions: This study allowed for the Soil Syst. 2025, 9, 10 https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems9010010 Soil Syst. 2025, 9, 10 2 of 14 discrimination of soils of medium- and long-term fruit crops based on their pedo-climatic characteristics and associating these characteristics to some indicators of the soil biome, pointing to the possibility of better understanding the interactions among diverse variables, which could support unraveling the intricate web of relationships that define soil quality. Ključne besede: apple, neural networks, soil microbiome diversity, strawberry Objavljeno v DiRROS: 03.02.2025; Ogledov: 252; Prenosov: 74
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8. Global meta-analysis shows action is needed to halt genetic diversity lossRobyn E. Shaw, Katherine A. Farquharson, Michael W. Bruford, David J. Coates, Carole P. Elliott, Joachim Mergeay, Kym M. Ottewell, Gernot Segelbacher, Sean Hoban, Christina Hvilsom, Elena Bužan, Laura Iacolina, Tina Unuk Nahberger, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Mitigating loss of genetic diversity is a major global biodiversity challenge1,2,3,4. To meet recent international commitments to maintain genetic diversity within species5,6, we need to understand relationships between threats, conservation management and genetic diversity change. Here we conduct a global analysis of genetic diversity change via meta-analysis of all available temporal measures of genetic diversity from more than three decades of research. We show that within-population genetic diversity is being lost over timescales likely to have been impacted by human activities, and that some conservation actions may mitigate this loss. Our dataset includes 628 species (animals, plants, fungi and chromists) across all terrestrial and most marine realms on Earth. Threats impacted two-thirds of the populations that we analysed, and less than half of the populations analysed received conservation management. Genetic diversity loss occurs globally and is a realistic prediction for many species, especially birds and mammals, in the face of threats such as land use change, disease, abiotic natural phenomena and harvesting or harassment. Conservation strategies designed to improve environmental conditions, increase population growth rates and introduce new individuals (for example, restoring connectivity or performing translocations) may maintain or even increase genetic diversity. Our findings underscore the urgent need for active, genetically informed conservation interventions to halt genetic diversity loss. Ključne besede: global meta-analysis, genetic diversity Objavljeno v DiRROS: 31.01.2025; Ogledov: 296; Prenosov: 139
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9. High spatial but low temporal variability in ectomycorrhizal community composition in Abies alba forest standsTina Unuk Nahberger, Hojka Kraigher, Tine Grebenc, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: The ectomycorrhizal symbionts of silver fir have rarely been analyzed and identified, so little is known about their diversity and distribution. The aim of this study was (1) to analyze the diversity of ectomycorrhizal fungal species in three geographically distinct forest stands of Abies alba and (2) to demonstrate the high temporal variability of the ectomycorrhizal community over two consecutive growing seasons using repeated monthly sampling. Root samples were taken every month during two growing seasons in three silver fir-dominated forest stands. The ectomycorrhizal root tips were first assigned to a morphotype based on morphological characteristics and then identified by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer region. Alpha and beta diversity differed significantly between all three study sites, with the most diverse and even ectomycorrhizal community described in plot Jelovški boršt. The diversity indices over the growing season were different at two of the three study sites, supporting the idea of a fluctuation of ectomycorrhizal taxa during the growing seasons of the two consecutive years. While significant temporal variability was only confirmed for certain ectomycorrhizal taxa, there were no significant changes in the ectomycorrhizal community in general. Thus, we confirmed the high spatial but low temporal variability of the ectomycorrhizal community associated with silver fir. Ključne besede: ectomycorrhizal community, spatiotemporal variation, silver fir, fungal diversity, forest, root-associated fungi Objavljeno v DiRROS: 31.01.2025; Ogledov: 220; Prenosov: 132
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10. Teachers social, emotional, and diversity awareness competencies : from policy experimentation to policy recommendationsUrška Štremfel, 2024, samostojni znanstveni sestavek ali poglavje v monografski publikaciji Povzetek: This chapter aims to explain the HAND in HAND: Empowering Teachers Across Europe to Deal with Social, Emotional and Diversity-Related Career Challenges (“HAND:ET”) project from a policy perspective. Basic theoretical insights into the relationship between social science experimentation and policymaking are provided. The chapter explores how the HAND:ET policy experiment is positioned with respect to existing educational priorities concerning teachers and their well-being on the EU level and in the national policies in the countries participating in the policy experimentation (Austria, Croatia, Portugal, Slovenia, Sweden). The chapter describes the manner in which the HAND:ET policy experiment, by focusing on teachers’ SEDA competencies addresses the recent European Union policy problems of the teacher profession (e.g., teacher shortages) and, based on the literature review, seeks to identify possible policy recommendations that would ensure that the results of the HAND:ET policy exper‐iment are applied on the systemic level of the EU and the participating countries. It thus elaborates on the conditions for the scalability, transferability and therefore sustainability of the HAND:ET policy experimentation outcomes in the wider field of teacher policy. Ključne besede: education, teachers, teacher's competencies, social and emotional competencies, diversity awareness, policy experiment, policy problem, policy development, policy recommendations Objavljeno v DiRROS: 27.01.2025; Ogledov: 220; Prenosov: 114
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