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Inproceedings Reference Increasing detections of the invasive mosquito Aedes albopictus in Belgium
Aedes albopictus is an invasive mosquito species expanding its territory in Europe, posing a health risk as the species is a competent vector of dengue, chikungunya and Zika virus. In European countries autochthonous transmission of these viruses are reported in localities where the species is established. In Belgium the introduction of Ae. albopictus was first monitored through active surveillance at Points of Entry (PoEs). Since 2018, the increased observation of Ae. albopictus at parking lots located along the highways suggested a rise in introduction through route traffic. Hence, in 2022, a passive surveillance based on citizen science was implemented to complement the active surveillance and expand the coverage of the monitoring countrywide. We present the current situation for Ae. albopictus in Belgium based on the results of both active and passive surveillance. Via an online platform (web/app), citizens uploaded pictures of potential Ae. albopictus specimens after answering filtering questions about morphological characteristics of the mosquito related to its size, color and stripes on the hind legs. Subsequently, pictures were then analysed to determine whether or not it is Ae. albopictus. When Ae.albopictus was confirmed on the picture, a field inspection was performed. This inspection included larval sampling and the set-up of ten oviposition traps for one or two weeks around the notification point. Additionally, in 2022 and 2023, ten oviposition traps were set-up at eight parking lots between May and October. In 2023, a longitudinal surveillance was also implemented to monitor overwintering and potential spread at two locations where the presence of Ae. albopictus was confirmed in 2022. In 2024, overwintering monitoring happened through larval sampling at four locations where Ae. albopictus was detected in 2023. DNA-based validation of all life stages of Ae. albopictus collected during field visits from several locations was performed to validate the identification of the species, and to investigate the haplotype composition of the population. We received 12 notifications of Ae. albopictus from citizens from nine locations in 2022, 29 from 15 new locations in 2023 and 47 from 12 new locations in 2024. Overall, Ae. albopictus was detected at 36 locations in Belgium over these three years. Further, the exotic species was detected in 2022 at three, and in 2023 at seven parking lots. Longitudinal surveillance in 2023 confirmed the presence of Ae. albopictus at two locations, indicating local establishment and overwintering. In 2024, overwintering was confirmed at another three locations. Prior to 2022, Aedes albopictus was in the early stage of its invasion process in Belgium, with confirmed occurrences limited to PoEs. Since 2022, the implementation of citizen surveillance has led to a steep increase in detections, including in residential areas, alongside numerus findings at parking lots. Additionally, the confirmation of overwintering at five locations, indicates that the species is being increasingly imported into Belgium via ground vehicular traffic and has become locally established in recent years.
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2025
Inproceedings Reference Monitoring the wild meat trade through DNA barcoding and pathogen screening of passenger-imported meat
The INTERCEPT project maps the current situation of monitoring (exotic) animal product imports from third countries into Belgium, highlighting both the legal and illegal aspects of the trade and its implications for public and animal health. Recommendations are being drafted to move towards a more robust framework for long-term monitoring including a centralized database that integrates data from various federal services and agencies to gain a better overview of the trade and to promote the dissemination of crucial information among federal services, agencies, and stakeholders. The project also aims to introduce a secure and efficient sampling method for officials, along with a molecular species identification pipeline for researchers, which will enable rapid DNA-based identification of illegally imported meat. During this project, over 600 specimens have been sampled from intercepted meat from passenger’s luggage at Brussels Airport, of which more than 500 samples have so far been identified using DNA barcoding and screened for orthopoxviruses. Metagenomic DNA and RNA sequencing is ongoing for a selection of samples pooled per DNA-confirmed species, preparation method (raw vs. cooked), and, when possible, region of origin. By fostering collaboration among scientific institutions and federal agencies, this initiative aims to inform border control measures and will support future research into pathogens carried by both domestic and exotic meat, allowing better characterisation of the health risks associated with the illegal import of meat from third countries.
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2025
Article Reference HYPSTAR: a hyperspectral pointable system for terrestrial and aquatic radiometry
pOptical Earth observation satellites provide vast amounts of data on a daily basis. The top-of-atmosphere radiance measured by these satellites is usually converted to bottom-of-atmosphere radiance or reflectance which is then used for deriving numerous higher level products used for monitoring environmental conditions, climate change, stock of natural resources, etc. The increase of available remote sensing data impacts decision-making on both regional and global scales, and demands appropriate quality control and validation procedures. A HYperspectral Pointable System for Terrestrial and Aquatic Radiometry (HYPSTAR$^®$) has been designed to provide automated, italicin-situ/italic multiangular reflectance measurements of land and water targets. HYPSTAR-SR covers 380–1020 nm spectral range at 3 nm spectral resolution and is used at water sites. For land sites the HYPSTAR-XR variant is used with the spectral range extended to 1680 nm at 10 nm spectral resolution. The spectroradiometer has multiplexed radiance and irradiance entrances, an internal mechanical shutter, and an integrated imaging camera for capturing snapshots of the targets. The spectroradiometer is mounted on a two-axis pointing system with 360° range of free movement in both axes. The system also incorporates a stable light emitting diode as a light source, used for monitoring the stability of the radiometric calibration during the long-term unattended field deployment. Autonomous operation is managed by a host system which handles data acquisition, storage, and transmission to a central WATERHYPERNET or LANDHYPERNET server according to a pre-programmed schedule. The system is remotely accessible over the internet for configuration changes and software updates. The HYPSTAR systems have been deployed at 10 water and 11 land sites for different periods ranging from a few days to a few years. The data are automatically processed at the central servers by the HYPERNETS processor and the derived radiance, irradiance, and reflectance products with associated measurement uncertainties are distributed at the WATERHYPERNET and LANDHYPERNET data portals./p
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2025
Article Reference Complete Characterization of Ocean Color Radiometers
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2024
Article Reference WATERHYPERNET: a prototype network of automated in situ measurements of hyperspectral water reflectance for satellite validation and water quality monitoring
pThis paper describes a prototype network of automated italicin situ/italic measurements of hyperspectral water reflectance suitable for satellite validation and water quality monitoring. Radiometric validation of satellite-derived water reflectance is essential to ensure that only reliable data, e.g., for estimating water quality parameters such as chlorophyll italica/italic concentration, reach end-users. Analysis of the differences between satellite and italicin situ/italic water reflectance measurements, particularly unmasked outliers, can provide recommendations on where satellite data processing algorithms need to be improved. In a massively multi-mission context, including Newspace constellations, hyperspectral missions and missions with broad spectral bands not designed for “water colour”, the advantage of hyperspectral over multispectral italicin situ/italic measurements is clear. Two hyperspectral measurement systems, PANTHYR (based on the mature TRIOS/RAMSES radiometer) and HYPSTAR$^®$ (a newly designed radiometer), have been integrated here in the WATERHYPERNET network with SI-traceable calibration and characterisation. The systems have common data acquisition protocol, data processing and quality control. The choice of validation site and viewing geometry and installation considerations are described in detail. Three demonstration cases are described: 1. PANTHYR data from two sites are used to validate Sentinel-2/MSI (A&B); 2. HYPSTAR$^®$ data at six sites are used to validate Sentinel-3/OLCI (A&B); 3. PANTHYR and HYPSTAR$^®$ data in Belgian North Sea waters are used to monitor phytoplankton parameters, including italicPhaeocystis globosa/italic, over two 5 month periods. Conclusion are drawn regarding the quality of Sentinel-2/MSI and Sentinel-3/OLCI data, including indications where improvements could be made. For example, a positive bias (mean difference) is found for ACOLITE\_DSF processing of Sentinel-2 in clear waters (Acqua Alta) and clues are provided on how to improve this processing. The utility of these italicin situ/italic measurements, even without accompanying hyperspectral satellite data, is demonstrated for phytoplankton monitoring. The future evolution of the WATERHYPERNET network is outlined, including geographical expansion, improvements to hardware reliability and to the measurement method (including uncertainty estimation) and plans for daily distribution of near real-time data./p
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2025
Article Reference First record of a proseriate flatworm predating on a rhabdocoel (Platyhelminthes: Proseriata and Rhabdocoela)
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2024
Inproceedings Reference Evolution in the tides: unravelling adaptive strategies in Pogonus chalceus beetles
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2024
Inproceedings Reference The green heart of Africa, the Lomami Primer
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2024
Inproceedings Reference Comparison of the pollinator microbiome: management practices, altitude and sex as drivers for change
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2024
Inproceedings Reference Symbiotic interactions challenged by environmental stress in aquatic transitional habitats
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2024