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Rhodolith beds are diverse and globally distributed habitats. Nonetheless, the role of rhodoliths in structuring the associated species community through a hierarchy of positive interactions is yet to be recognised. In this review, we provide evidence that rhodoliths can function as foundation species of multi-level facilitation cascades and, hence, are fundamental for the persistence of hierarchically structured communities within coastal oceans. Rhodoliths generate facilitation cascades by buffering physical stress, reducing consumer pressure and enhancing resource availability. Due to large variations in their shape, size and density, a single rhodolith bed can support multiple taxonomically distant and architecturally distinct habitat-forming species, such as primary producers, sponges or bivalves, thus encompassing a broad range of functional traits and providing a wealth of secondary microhabitat and food resources. In addition, rhodoliths are often mobile, and thus can redistribute associated species, potentially expanding the distribution of species with short-distance dispersal abilities. Key knowledge gaps we have identified include: the experimental assessment of the role of rhodoliths as basal facilitators; the length and temporal stability of facilitation cascades; variations in species interactions within cascades across environmental gradients; and the role of rhodolith beds as climate refugia. Addressing these research priorities will allow the development of evidence-based policy decisions and elevate rhodolith beds within marine conservation strategies.

Global marine conservation remains fractured by an imbalance in research efforts and policy actions, limiting progression towards sustainability. Rhodolith beds represent a prime example, as they have ecological importance on a global scale, provide a wealth of ecosystem functions and services, including biodiversity provision and potential climate change mitigation, but remain disproportionately understudied, compared to other coastal ecosystems (tropical coral reefs, kelp forests, mangroves, seagrasses). Although rhodolith beds have gained some recognition, as important and sensitive habitats at national/regional levels during the last decade, there is still a notable lack of information and, consequently, specific conservation efforts. We argue that the lack of information about these habitats, and the significant ecosystem services they provide, is hindering the development of effective conservation measures and limiting wider marine conservation success. This is becoming a pressing issue, considering the multiple severe pressures and threats these habitats are exposed to (e.g., pollution, fishing activities, climate change), which may lead to an erosion of their ecological function and ecosystem services. By synthesizing the current knowledge, we provide arguments to highlight the importance and urgency of levelling-up research efforts focused on rhodolith beds, combating rhodolith bed degradation and avoiding the loss of associated biodiversity, thus ensuring the sustainability of future conservation programs.

Global marine conservation remains fractured by an imbalance in research efforts and policy actions, limiting progression towards sustainability. Rhodolith beds represent a prime example, as they have ecological importance on a global scale, provide a wealth of ecosystem functions and services, including biodiversity provision and potential climate change mitigation, but remain disproportionately understudied, compared to other coastal ecosystems (tropical coral reefs, kelp forests, mangroves, seagrasses). Although rhodolith beds have gained some recognition, as important and sensitive habitats at national/regional levels during the last decade, there is still a notable lack of information and, consequently, specific conservation efforts. We argue that the lack of information about these habitats, and the significant ecosystem services they provide, is hindering the development of effective conservation measures and limiting wider marine conservation success. This is becoming a pressing issue, considering the multiple severe pressures and threats these habitats are exposed to (e.g., pollution, fishing activities, climate change), which may lead to an erosion of their ecological function and ecosystem services. By synthesizing the current knowledge, we provide arguments to highlight the importance and urgency of levelling-up research efforts focused on rhodolith beds, combating rhodolith bed degradation and avoiding the loss of associated biodiversity, thus ensuring the sustainability of future conservation programs.

[Abstract] Rhodolith seabeds are ‘ecosystem engineers’ composed of free-living calcareous red macroalgae, which create extensive marine habitats. This study addressed how depth influenced the structure (size and morphology) of rhodoliths and the abundance of associated floral and faunal epibionts across the Eastern Atlantic Ocean. Sampling was carried out at two sites within five regions (Brittany, Galicia, Madeira, Gran Canaria, and Principe Island), from temperate to tropical, covering a latitudinal gradient of 47°, in three depth strata (shallow, intermediate and deep), according to the rhodolith bathymetrical range in each region. Depth typically affected the rhodolith size at all regions; the largest nodules were found in the intermediate and deep strata, while rhodolith sphericity was larger at the shallow depth strata. Higher biomasses of attached macroalgae (epiphytes) were observed at depths where rhodoliths were larger. The abundance of epifauna was variable across regions and depth strata. In general, the occurrence, structure, and abundance of the associated biota across rhodolith habitats were affected by depth, with local variability (i.e., sites within regions) often displaying a more significant influence than the regional (large-scale) variation. Overall, this study showed that the rhodolith morphology and associated epibionts (flora and fauna) were mostly affected by depth, irrespective of latitude.

The analysis of biological and ecological traits has a long history in evolutionary and ecological research. However, trait data are often scattered and standardised terminology that transcends taxonomic and biogeographical context are generally missing. As part of the development of a global trait database of marine species, we collated trait information for European seaweeds and structured the data within the standardised framework of the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS). We collected 45175 trait records for 21 biologically and ecologically relevant traits of seaweeds. This resulted in a trait database for 1745 European seaweed species of which more than half (56%) of the records were documented at the species level, while the remaining 44% were documented at a higher taxonomic level and subsequently inherited at lower levels. The trait database for European seaweeds will serve as a foundation for future research on diversity and evolution of seaweeds and their responses to global changes. The data will contribute to developing detailed trait-based ecosystem models and will be an important tool to inform marine conservation policies. The data are publicly accessible through the AlgaeTraits portal, 10.14284/574 (AlgaeTraits, 2022).

Introduction: Diphtheria is an infectious disease caused mainly by toxigenic strains of Corynebacterium diphthe-riae, local infections can affect both the respiratory tract and the integumentary system (1)(2). In the Dominican Republic, the last diphtheria outbreak occurred in 2004. The incidence of this disease has experienced a consi-derable decrease, registering an average of 2.6 cases per year (range = 1-7) in the last 5 years. The objective of this research is to describe 21 probable cases of Diphtheria notified during the period January-May 2021. Method: a descriptive report was made based on the retrospective analysis of the single individual case notifi-cation form, and the records of 21 patients with diagnosis of probable diphtheria, which were admitted to the Dr. Robert Reid Cabral Children’s Hospital, during the period Januar y-May 2021. Results: The age group most affected was children between 1-4 years with 11 cases (52 %). A history of incomplete immunization status was presented in 19 cases (90.5 %). The diagnosis of diphtheria was confirmed in 9 cases (42.9 %). Diphtheria antitoxin (DAT) was administered in 17 cases (81 %), 11 of these patients died and 6 survived, of the 4 patients who did not receive (DAT) (19 %) 1 died (p = 0.272). The epidemiological week with the highest record of case onset was week fifteen with 6 cases (28 %). The most frequent type of complication was respiratory failure, presented in 50 % of the cases. Conclusions: Of the 21 cases, 12 died, which represents a 58 % fatality rate, figures that exceed the 32 % fatality rate recorded in the 2004 outbreak. A history of incomplete immunization status was presented in 19 cases (90.5 %), which suggests that one of the triggers for the outbreak is the fall in immunity induced by vaccines over time, and the lack of booster doses. Considering the limitations of production and distribution of the toxin that still prevail and affect mostly developing countries, the fact that 81 % of all, Introducción: la difteria es una enfermedad infecciosa causada, principalmente, por cepas toxigénicas del Cory-nebacterium diphtheriae, las infecciones locales pueden afectar tanto el tracto respiratorio como el sistema tegu-mentario.1, 2 En República Dominicana, el último brote de difteria ocurrido data del año 2004. Posterior al mismo, la incidencia de esta enfermedad ha experimentado una disminución considerable, registrándose un promedio de 2.6 casos por año (rango= 1-7) en los últimos cinco años. El objetivo de esta investigación es describir 21 casos probables de difteria notificados durante el período enero-mayo 2021. Método: se realizó un reporte descriptivo a partir del análisis retrospectivo del formulario único de notificación de caso y los expedientes de 21 pacientes con diagnóstico probable de difteria, que fueron admitidos al Hospital Infantil Dr. Robert Reid Cabral, durante el período enero-mayo de 2021. Resultados: el grupo de edades más afectado fue el de los niños entre 1-4 años con 11 casos (52 %). Se presentó historia de estatus de inmunización incompleto en 19 casos (90.5 %). Se confirmó el diagnóstico de difteria en nueve casos (42.9 %). La antitoxina diftérica (DAT) fue administrada en 17 casos (81 %), 11 de estos pacientes resultaron fallecidos y 6 sobrevivieron, mientras que, de los 4 pacientes que no recibieron la (DAT) (19 %) 1 falleció (p= 0.272). La semana epidemiológica con mayor registro de inicio de casos fue la semana quince con 6 casos (28 %). El tipo de complicación más frecuente fue la insuficiencia respiratoria, presentada en un 50 % de los casos. Conclusiones: de los 21 casos, 12 fallecieron, lo cual repre-senta una tasa de letalidad de un 58 %, cifras que superan la tasa de letalidad de un 32 % registrada en el brote del año 2004. Se presentó historia de estatus de inmunización incompleto en 19 casos (90.5 %), lo cual sugiere que uno de los detonantes del brote sea la caída de la inmunidad inducida por las vacunas en el tiempo

Lithophyllum okamurae has been widely reported in the Pacific Ocean with identification based on morpho-anatomical observations. Two infraspecific taxa, L. okamurae f. okamurae and f. angulare, described from Japan, have been recorded in the temperate region of Japan. We assessed branched Lithophyllum samples morphologically referable to L. okamurae using morpho-anatomical data and DNA sequences (psbA, rbcL and partial LSU rDNA) obtained from herbarium specimens, including type material, as well as recently field-collected material in Japan. The molecular analyses showed that these ‘L. okamurae’ samples contained two species: L. okamurae and a cryptic new species which we describe as L. neo-okamurae sp. nov. Because the holotype of L. okamurae f. angulare was conspecific with original material cited in the protologue of L. okamurae, it is a heterotypic synonym of L. okamurae f. okamurae. Lithophyllum okamurae and L. neo-okamurae were morphologically similar in having warty, lumpy and fruticose thalli and in often forming rhodoliths. Lithophyllum okamurae can be morpho-anatomically distinguished from L. neo-okamurae by the thallus with tapering or plate-like protuberances (knobby protuberances in the latter) and by having smaller tetrasporangial conceptacle chambers (167–314 µm; 248–380 µm in L. neo-okamurae). Our LSU rDNA sequence data from L. okamurae f. angulare (=L. okamurae f. okamurae) was identical to that of the type of L. margaritae, which has nomenclatural priority over L. okamurae. However, considering that psbA and rbcL sequences of L. margaritae type material could not be generated in the present study, we refrain, for the moment, from proposing the taxonomic synonymy between these two taxa until the status of L. margaritae and its synonyms from the type locality (Gulf of California) are clarified.

[EN] Syngnathid fishes (Actinopterygii, Syngnathidae), including seahorses and pipefishes, are flagship vulnerable species highly associated with seaweed and seagrass habitats. Our multidisciplinary study provides the first insights for syngnathid populations in Atlantic Islands of Galicia (Cíes Archipelago, Atlantic Ocean) and Cabrera Archipelago (Mediterranean Sea) Spanish National Parks. Syngnathid fishes were collected on several sites in the first year of the study, and habitat characteristics were also determined. From the results achieved, a further two-years monitoring was performed seasonally in selected sites. The fishes were analyzed for size, weight, sex and sexual maturity, stable isotope signatures and genetics. Epifauna and gut contents were also analyzed for further dietary assessment of syngnathids. Diversity and abundances were generally low, with four species (including seahorses) identified in the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park and five (only pipefishes) at Cabrera National Park. Syngnathids from both national parks differed in size, isotopic values and prey regime. Syngnathids preferred less exposed sites in macroalgal assemblages (Atlantic) or Cymodocea meadows (Mediterranean). Population characteristics in the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park suggests that syngnathids mainly comprise breeders that migrate seasonally, with preference for less exposed sites on shallow complex rocky-sandy substrates covered by macroalgae. Prey preferences would rely mainly on the consumption of copepods and gammarids. In the Mediterranean, syngnathids were likely limited by the depth of the studied sites, showing preference for Cymodocea meadows over Posidonia, and for the capture of a wider range of prey compared to the Atlantic populations. Borrón (Atlantic) and Es Burri (Mediterranean) would be preferential sites to undertake conservations plans for syngnathids. Several research topics are suggested for further management of syngnathids pop, [ES] Los signátidos (Actinopterygii, Syngnathidae) son una familia de peces que incluye caballitos de mar y peces pipa. Se trata de especies vulnerables estrechamente asociadas a las comunidades vegetales. Este estudio multidisciplinar en signátidos es el primero realizado en los Parques Nacionales Marítimo-Terrestres de las Islas Atlánticas de Galicia (Archipiélago de Cíes, Atlántico) y del Archipiélago de Cabrera (Mediterráneo). En el primer año de estudio, se estudiaron los signátidos en diversas zonas de ambos parques nacionales, así como las características de sus hábitats. Los resultados alcanzados permitieron establecer zonas preferentes para la realización de un estudio bianual posterior. En los peces capturados se determinaron las siguientes características: talla, peso, sexo y madurez sexual, isótopos estables y características genéticas. También se analizó la epifauna y los contenidos digestivos para determinar preferencias alimentarias. La diversidad y las abundancias fueron reducidas, con cuatro y cinco especies identificadas en el Atlántico y Mediterráneo, respectivamente, con presencia de caballitos de mar solo en la vertiente atlántica. Se observaron diferencias importantes en los signátidos de ambas zonas en lo relacionado con talla, valores isotópicos y preferencias alimentarias, Los signátidos atlánticos mostraron preferencia por zonas someras menos expuestas en hábitats macroalgales complejos arenoso-rocosos, con preferencia por el consumo de gammáridos y copépodos. Las especies del mediterráneo estuvieron mejor representadas en praderas de Cymodocea comparado con las de Posidonia, con una mayor variedad de fuentes alimenticias que en el atlántico, dependiendo de la especie. Las zonas de mayor interés, de cara a futuros planes de conservación, fueron Borrón (Atlántico) y Es Burri (Mediterráneo). Se proponen diversas actuaciones para el estudio futuro de las poblaciones estudiadas

El objetivo de este trabajo de grado fue diseñar un programa de entrenamiento virtual de entrevista ocupacional dirigido al personal con cargos de jefatura llamado Interview Prime. Por medio de esta investigación se entrenan a personas no psicólogas en entrevista, a través de una página web que ofrece distintas herramientas virtuales y que facilitan el proceso de aprendizaje por parte del jefe directo. El servicio está conformado por seis secciones, que se dividen en (inicio, blog, historia, encuesta, foro y contacto). Este servicio se diseñó con el fin de tener en cuenta en el proceso al jefe directo, quien es la persona con la que trabajará el candidato seleccionado, es por esto que es necesario entrenar a los jefes en cómo desarrollar, interpretar y analizar la conducta de un candidato en el momento de La entrevista.

Coralline red algae in the non-geniculate genera Clathromorphum, Phymatolithon and Lithothamnion are important benthic ecosystem engineers in the photic zone of the Arctic and Subarctic. In these regions, the systematics and biogeography of Clathromorphum and Phymatolithon have mostly been resolved whereas Lithothamnion has not, until now. Seventy-three specific and infraspecific names were given to Arctic and Subarctic Lithothamnion specimens in the late 19th and early 20th century by Frans R. Kjellman and Mikael H. Foslie. DNA sequences from 36 type specimens, five historical specimens, and an extensive sampling of recent collections resulted in the recognition of four Arctic and Subarctic Lithothamnion species, L. glaciale, L. lemoineae, L. soriferum and L. tophiforme. Three genes were sequenced, two plastid-encoded, rbcL and psbA, and the mitochondrial encoded COI-5P; rbcL and COI-5P segregated L. glaciale from L. tophiforme but psbA did not. Partial rbcL sequences obtained from type collections enabled us to correctly apply the earliest available names and to correctly place the remainder in synonymy. We were unable to sequence another 22 type specimens, but all of these are more recent names than those that are now applied. It is difficult to identify these species solely on morpho-anatomy as they can all occur as encrusting corallines or as maerl (rhodoliths). We demonstrate the importance of sequencing historical type specimens by showing that the recently proposed North-east Atlantic L. erinaceum is a synonym of one of the earliest published Arctic species of Lithothamnion, L. soriferum, itself incorrectly placed in synonymy under L. tophiforme based on morpho-anatomy. Based on sequenced specimens, we update the distributions and ecology of these species.

El objetivo de este trabajo de grado fue diseñar un programa de entrenamiento virtual de entrevista ocupacional dirigido al personal con cargos de jefatura llamado Interview Prime. Por medio de esta investigación se entrenan a personas no psicólogas en entrevista, a través de una página web que ofrece distintas herramientas virtuales y que facilitan el proceso de aprendizaje por parte del jefe directo. El servicio está conformado por seis secciones, que se dividen en (inicio, blog, historia, encuesta, foro y contacto). Este servicio se diseñó con el fin de tener en cuenta en el proceso al jefe directo, quien es la persona con la que trabajará el candidato seleccionado, es por esto que es necesario entrenar a los jefes en cómo desarrollar, interpretar y analizar la conducta de un candidato en el momento de La entrevista.

Hace más de 50 años comenzó su andadura el Centro Oceanográfico de A Coruña. Ocurrió en un vetusto local del puerto, y se denominó por aquel entonces como Laboratorio del Noroeste. Durante este medio siglo este centro ha trabajado básicamente en las áreas de la biología pesquera, la acuicultura marina y la oceanografía multidisciplinar, si bien los equipos de investigación han ido evolucionando a lo largo de este tiempo, abriendo o cerrando líneas de trabajo según las circunstancias. A pesar de haber trabajado en todos los océanos del mundo, incluidos el ártico y el antártico, una parte importante de las investigaciones del oceanográfico coruñés siempre han estado centradas en su entorno cercano: el golfo Ártabro. Desde los años ochenta, este centro coruñés monitorea el ambiente pelágico y bentónico de la ría de A Coruña y su plataforma adyacente. Esto supone una valiosísima serie histórica de datos oceanográficos, cuya utilidad quedó de sobra demostrada durante las catástrofes de los petroleros Aegean Sea y Prestige. La idea de crear este libro surgió justo antes del 50 Aniversario del Centro Oceanográfico de A Coruña (1968-2018). Nace con la intención de recopilar y resumir el conocimiento científico en torno a la biodiversidad marina en el ámbito de trabajo más cercano al centro coruñés. Es intención de este libro el servir como publicación de referencia a todo tipo de estudio sobre la biodiversidad y la oceanografía biológica del golfo Ártabro. Para ello nos servimos de la información obtenida directamente del oceanográfico herculino tanto de sus series históricas, como de otros estudios realizados en la zona. Además, la colaboración en materia de pesca de los centros oceanográficos de A Coruña, Vigo, Santander y Gijón permitió aportar a este volumen el capítulo dedicado a las especies desembarcadas por la flota artesanal en la lonja coruñesa. Por otra parte, los especialistas en bentos duro del Centro de Gijón fueron los encargados de elaborar la parte dedicada

[Abstract] Calcified coralline algae are ecologically important in rocky habitats in the marine photic zone worldwide and there is growing concern that ocean acidification will severely impact them. Laboratory studies of these algae in simulated ocean acidification conditions have revealed wide variability in growth, photosynthesis and calcification responses, making it difficult to assess their future biodiversity, abundance and contribution to ecosystem function. Here, we apply molecular systematic tools to assess the impact of natural gradients in seawater carbonate chemistry on the biodiversity of coralline algae in the Mediterranean and the NW Pacific, link this to their evolutionary history and evaluate their potential future biodiversity and abundance. We found a decrease in the taxonomic diversity of coralline algae with increasing acidification with more than half of the species lost in high pCO2 conditions. Sporolithales is the oldest order (Lower Cretaceous) and diversified when ocean chemistry favoured low Mg calcite deposition; it is less diverse today and was the most sensitive to ocean acidification. Corallinales were also reduced in cover and diversity but several species survived at high pCO2; it is the most recent order of coralline algae and originated when ocean chemistry favoured aragonite and high Mg calcite deposition. The sharp decline in cover and thickness of coralline algal carbonate deposits at high pCO2 highlighted their lower fitness in response to ocean acidification. Reductions in CO2 emissions are needed to limit the risk of losing coralline algal diversity.