Typification of the name Beltr. (Ascomycota, Dothideomycetes, Pleosporales, Arthopyreniaceae).

Beltr. is one of the few species of the lichen genus A. Massal.

An experience of data quality evaluation in pollen monitoring activities.

In this work we report the results of some quality control tests performed on laboratory procedures referring to aerobiological monitoring activities between 2005 and 2007. In every test, the results of each operator have been compared with the scores of a group of experts. For quality evaluation, we have used accuracy and precision to define the percentage error for identification of taxa and counts of pollen grains.

Lichen colonization in the city of Turin (N Italy) based on current and historical data.

The results of a study carried out to assess current environmental quality by the diversity of epiphytic lichens in the urban area of Turin (N Italy), and comparison with historical data spanning over a period of 200 years, are presented. Lichen assemblages over different time periods are related to changes in environmental conditions and the present situation is improving, as shown by increased numbers of both species and thalli in the city. Today, NO(x) and total suspended particles are the main air pollutants affecting lichen diversity.

Evaluation of data quality in lichen biomonitoring studies: the Italian experience.

A total of 65 operators involved in lichen mapping studies in central and northwestern Italy underwent quality control tests during five lichen biomonitoring workshops organized between 1999 and 2000. The results showed that 75% quantitative accuracy and 90% quantitative precision can be regarded as satisfactory levels for lichen biodiversity data; 65% proved to be sufficient for accuracy of taxonomic identification in the field. Average correct assignment of the interpretative naturality/alteration class was only 48.