1. Implementation of the Science on a Sphere Visualization System as a Web ApplicationJurij Anžič, Ciril Bohak, 2025, independent scientific component part or a chapter in a monograph Abstract: SOS is a visualization system originally developed by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to project dynamic global datasets onto a spherical display, enabling audiences to explore complex Earth system processes in an intuitive and immersive way. While highly efective in museums, science centers, and classrooms, the traditional Science on a Sphere (SoS) hardware installation requires dedicated infrastructure, limiting its accessibility and scalability. This paper presents the design and implementation of a web-based application that reproduces the core functionality of the Science on a Sphere (SoS) system in a browser environment. The application utilizes modern web technologies to render real-time spherical visualizations of global datasets. Users can load, manipulate, and interact with datasets such as atmospheric phenomena, ocean currents, or planetary imagery without the need for specialized hardware. The system also supports interactive controls for rotating, zooming, and overlaying multiple data layers, extending the pedagogical potential of Science on a Sphere (SoS) by enabling personal exploration on laptops, tablets, and mobile devices. By transitioning Science on a Sphere (SoS) from a physical installation to a lightweight, browser-based platform, the proposed solution broadens access to scientific visualizations, promotes remote and classroom learning, and ensures that Science on a Sphere (SoS) content can be integrated into modern online education ecosystems.
Keywords: Science on a Sphere (SOS), Web-based visualization, WebGL, WebGPU, Geospatial data, Educational technology
Published in RUP: 29.01.2026; Views: 162; Downloads: 10
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2. A pan-European citizen science study shows population size, climate and land use are related to biased morph ratios in the heterostylous plant Primula verisTsipe Aavik, Triin Reitalu, Marianne Kivastik, Iris Reinula, Sabrina Träger, Evelyn Uuemaa, Marta Barberis, Arjen Biere, Sílvia Castro, Sara A. O. Cousins, Živa Fišer, 2026, original scientific article Abstract: The distylous plant Primula veris has long served as a model species for studying heterostyly, that is the occurrence of multiple floral morphs within a population to ensure outcrossing. Habitat loss, reduced plant population sizes, and climate change have raised concerns about the impact of these factors on morph ratios and the related consequences on fitness of heterostylous species. We studied the deviation of floral morphs of P. veris from isoplethy (i.e. equal frequency) in response to plant population size, landscape context and climatic factors, based on a pan-European citizen science campaign involving observations from 28 countries. In addition, we examined the relative frequency of morphs to determine whether landscape and climatic factors disrupt morph frequencies or whether a specific morph has an advantage over the other. Theory predicts equal frequencies of short-styled S-morphs and long-styled L-morphs in populations at equilibrium. However, data from >3000 populations showed a substantial morph deviation from isoplethy and a significant excess of S-morphs (9% higher compared to L-morphs). Deviation of morph frequency from equilibrium was substantially stronger in smaller populations and was not affected by morph identity. Higher summer precipitation and land use intensity were associated with an increased prevalence of S-morphs. Five populations containing individuals exhibiting short homostyle phenotypes (with the style and anthers in low positions) were found. Genotyping of the individuals at CYP734A50 gene of the S locus, which determines the length of the style and the position of anthers of P. veris, revealed no mutations in this region. Our results based on an unprecedented geographic sampling suggest that changes in land use and climate may be responsible for non-equilibrium morph frequencies. This large-scale citizen science initiative sets foundations for future studies to clarify whether the unexpected excess of S-morphs is due to partial intra-morph compatibility, disruption of heterostyly or survival advantage of S-morphs. Synthesis. Human-induced environmental change may affect biodiversity indirectly through altering reproductive traits, which can also lead to reduced fitness and genetic diversity. Further research should consider the possible role of pollinators in mediating the ecological and evolutionary consequences of recent landscape and climatic shifts on plant reproductive traits.
Keywords: citizen science, flower, heterostily
Published in RUP: 16.01.2026; Views: 154; Downloads: 2
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3. The role of community science in DNA-based biodiversity monitoringCarolina Corrales, Karolina Bacela-Spychalska, Elena Bužan, Torbjørn Ekrem, Sónia Ferreira, William Goodall-Copestake, Elaine van Ommen Kloeke, Peter M. Hollingsworth, Sarah J. Bourlat, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: The mutual interest in nature by the general public and scientists has led to many collaborations, past and present. Community science shows great potential for monitoring species occurrences and distributions, especially in combination with scalable and (semi)-automated methods such as DNA-based monitoring, helping to obtain data from a broader geographic and temporal range than would be possible by the scientific community alone. Here, we present an overview of the complementarity between community science and DNA-based biomonitoring through examples from ongoing projects. The involvement of hobby experts is particularly crucial for building up the necessary species reference databases that enable DNA-based monitoring. Based on this overview, we identify some key points related to learning opportunities and participant recognition to maximise the success, impact and benefit of community participants in DNA-based monitoring.
Keywords: eDNA, community science, genetics
Published in RUP: 13.10.2025; Views: 289; Downloads: 2
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4. Towards development of guidelines for harnessing implementation science for suicide prevention : an international Delphi expert consensus studySadhvi Krishnamoorthy, Gregory Armstrong, Victoria Ross, Lennart Reifels, Hayley Purdon, Jillian Francis, Jacinta L. Hawgood, Sharna Mathieu, Alexandr Kasal, Allison Crawford, Vita Poštuvan, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Objectives Suicide research and prevention are complex. Many practical, methodological and ethical challenges must be overcome to implement effective suicide prevention interventions. Implementation science can offer insights into what works, why and in what context. Yet, there are limited real-world examples of the application of implementation science in suicide prevention. This study aimed to identify approaches to employ principles of implementation science to tackle important challenges in suicide prevention. Methods A questionnaire about promoting implementation science for suicide prevention was developed through thematic analysis of stakeholder narratives. Statements were categorised into six domains: research priorities, practical considerations, approach to intervention design and delivery, lived experience engagement, dissemination and the way forward. The questionnaire (n=52 statements—round 1; n=44 statements—round 2; n=9 statements—round 3) was administered electronically to a panel (n=62—round 1, n=48—round 2; n=45—round 3) of international experts (suicide researchers, leaders, project team members, lived experience advocates). Statements were rated on a Likert scale based on an understanding of importance and priority of each item. Statements endorsed by at least 85% of the panel would be included in the final guidelines. Results Eighty-two of the 90 statements were endorsed. Recommendations included broadening research inquiries to understand overall programme impact; accounting for resources in the translation of evidence into practice; embedding implementation science in intervention delivery and design; meaningfully engaging lived experience; considering channels for dissemination of implementation-related findings and focusing on next steps needed to routinely harness the strengths of implementation science in suicide prevention research, practice and training. Conclusion An interdisciplinary panel of suicide prevention experts reached a consensus on optimal strategies for using implementation science to enhance the effectiveness of policies and programmes aimed at reducing suicide.
Keywords: suicide prevention, Delphi expert consensus method, implementation science
Published in RUP: 26.09.2025; Views: 432; Downloads: 3
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5. Is open source the future of AI? : a data-driven approachDomen Vake, Bogdan Šinik, Jernej Vičič, Aleksandar Tošić, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Large language models (LLMs) have become central to both academic research and industrial applications, fueling debates on their accuracy, usability, privacy, and potential misuse. While proprietary models benefit from substantial investments in data and computing resources, open-sourcing is often suggested as a means to enhance trust and transparency. Yet, open-sourcing comes with its own challenges, such as risks of illicit applications, limited financial incentives, and intellectual property concerns. Positioned between these extremes are hybrid approaches—including partially open models and licensing restrictions—that aim to balance openness with control. In this paper, we adopt a data-driven approach to examine the open-source development of LLMs. By analyzing contributions in model improvements, modifications, and methodologies, we assess how community efforts impact model performance. Our findings indicate that the open-source community can significantly enhance models, demonstrating that community-driven modifications can yield efficiency gains without compromising performance. Moreover, our analysis reveals distinct trends in community growth and highlights which architectures benefit disproportionately from open-source engagement. These insights provide an empirical foundation to inform balanced discussions among industry experts and policymakers on the future direction of AI development.
Keywords: large language models, artificial intelligence, open source, data science, HuggingFace
Published in RUP: 25.09.2025; Views: 586; Downloads: 4
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