scholarly journals Morphology, Pandemic, and 3D

2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (2) ◽  
pp. 33-40
Author(s):  
Leonardo Souza Lobo ◽  
Orlando Nelson Grillo ◽  
Sergio Alex Kugland de Azevedo
Keyword(s):  
Latin American ◽  
Biological Information ◽  
Type Specimens ◽  
3D Technology ◽  
Barriers To Access ◽  
Access Information ◽  
Reference Specimens ◽  
Scientific Collections ◽  
Tools And Techniques ◽  
3D Digitization

The COVID‑19 pandemic imposes the biggest restrictions on access to morphological information housed in scientific collections, compromising the progress of scientific research. Even though it is not the first event to impose restrictions on access, it is undoubtedly the most global in range. Based on this, we discuss the barriers to access information and we show 3D technology as an important tool to create routes to mitigate the effects of future restrictions. In a global sphere, there are initiatives of inter-institutional integration and international networks focused on facilitating and disseminate the implementation of digitization tools and techniques to facilitate access to diverse biological information. Notwithstanding, when we speak in 3D technology in Latin American countries, as is well noted in Brazil, this type of progress is lacking, with only isolated initiatives from some laboratories and research centers that implement 3D digitization tools, but often as experimental uses. Moreover, recent events, such as the Museu Naciona fire and the mobility restriction imposed by the COVID‑19 pandemic, reinforce the need and urgency to discuss the virtualization of natural history collections in the national territory. In this sense, we recommend photogrammetry as a more accessible and versatile technology, which could be quickly implemented in curatorial procedures. We, also, have defined criteria to establish priorities for virtualizing the collection. The virtualization of the type specimens is an inevitable and necessary task to ensure their access and expansion of their safe preservation, as established by the ICZN, and should therefore be considered as a high priority, followed by reference specimens, which are frequently accessed. Finally, to ensure Latin America advances to levels similar to those observed in other continents, it is important to establish a collaborative network of museums and other research institutions.

Barriers to access and utilization of multiple sclerosis care services in a large cohort of Latin American patients

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 117-129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edgar Carnero Contentti ◽  
Susana Giachello ◽  
Jorge Correale
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Private Insurance ◽  
Public Institutions ◽  
Regional Survey ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Healthcare Needs ◽  
Barriers To Access ◽  
Unmet Healthcare Needs ◽  
Healthcare Insurance

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS), is an emergent disease in Latin America (LATAM), which raises substantial socioeconomic challenges to a region where most countries remain as economies in development. Objective: To assess barriers to access and utilization of MS care services in a regional cohort survey. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study based on a self-reported survey. Patients with MS (PwMS) completed this regional survey in 12 Latin American (LATAM) countries. PwMS were also divided into those with healthcare insurance (including certain local national social security programs) and those without healthcare insurance (treated at public institutions). Results: We surveyed 1469 PwMS and identified significant regional differences in relation to access to complementary tests, rehabilitation services, and prescription of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). Between 44.4% and 73.5% of PwMS were unemployed and nearly 50% had completed higher education. PwMS receiving care from the private sector reported greater access to imaging, DMTs, and fewer problems obtaining DMTs compared to those treated at public institutions. Multivariate analysis showed that lack of private insurance (OR = 2.21, p < 0.001), longer MS duration (OR = 1.02, p = 0.001), lower level of education (OR = 0.66, p = 0.009), and unemployment (OR = 0.73, p = 0.03) were independently associated with inappropriate delivery of DMTs. Conclusion: These findings suggest barriers to access and utilization of MS care services across LATAM are prevalent. We identified several factors predicting unmet healthcare needs in PwMS.

REFLORA: A Virtual Way to Share Information about Brazilian Plants

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniela Zappi ◽  
Rafaela Campostrini Forzza ◽  
E. Nic Lughadha
Keyword(s):  
Latin American ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Biological Diversity ◽  
Plant Conservation ◽  
Global Strategy ◽  
Convention On Biological Diversity ◽  
Herbarium Specimens ◽  
Type Specimens ◽  
Digital World ◽  
Brazilian Flora

This is an advance summary of a forthcoming article in the Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Latin American History. Please check back later for the full article. Brazilian flora, the richest in the world, has long been the subject of scholarly study. During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, plant samples collected in Brazil were sent to European herbaria, where botanists documented the little-known flora and its potential uses. From the twentieth century onward, Brazil created research centers to house its biological collections, facilitating study by Brazilian professionals of their native biodiversity. However, many early specimens deposited in European collections have yet to be examined by taxonomists. In the early twenty-first century, cost-effective digitization techniques enabled large-scale repatriation of herbarium data. The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation supported herbaria worldwide to digitize their collections, especially type-specimens, through the African, Latin American, and Global Plants Initiatives. A party to the Convention on Biological Diversity, Brazil responds to global challenges, such as the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (GSPC), which set sixteen targets for understanding and conserving plant diversity. In 2008, Brazil’s Environment Ministry tasked the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden (JBRJ) to coordinate a compilation of the Brazilian List of Plants, Algae, and Fungi (Brazilian List) by 2010, to meet GSPC Target 1. JBRJ tapped the expertise of more than 500 Brazilian and foreign taxonomists to develop and maintain a dynamic list that rapidly became the reference for Brazil's flora. In 2011, Brazil’s Science and Technology Ministry, recognizing the need to link knowledge from digitized plant specimens and the Brazilian List, funded the amalgamation of the Brazilian List with a new Virtual Herbarium dubbed “REFLORA.” Founded as a partnership among JBRJ, Museum National d’Histoire Naturelle (Paris), and the Royal Botanic Gardens (Kew, UK), REFLORA includes two components: (1) digitization of herbarium specimens and maintenance and update of the Brazilian List, and (2) capacity-building, including visits by Brazilian researchers to European collections to improve specimen identification and foster baseline research that directly impacts plant conservation. Both the Brazilian List and the Virtual Herbarium are interactive platforms incorporating feedback from scientists involved in the project. Changes to these databases appear immediately, making current taxonomic views regarding a specimen or a plant name available online worldwide. Their success has stimulated Brazilian zoologists to prepare a similar list, while the botanical community is already responding to GSPC’s 2020 target to build a digital World Flora. The Brazilian Flora project will be founded on the platforms and scientific community created by the Brazilian List.

ZooBank: Developing a nomenclatural tool for unifying 250 years of biological information

Zootaxa ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 1950 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
RICHARD L. PYLE ◽  
ELLINOR MICHEL
Keyword(s):  
Life Science ◽  
Modern Technology ◽  
Biological Information ◽  
Zoological Nomenclature ◽  
Bishop Museum ◽  
Type Specimens ◽  
Initial Development ◽  
Technology Changes ◽  
Specific Implementation ◽  
New Fish Species

Nomenclature represents the backbone upon which virtually all biological information is organized. However, the practice of zoological nomenclature has changed relatively little since its start in 1758. As modern technology changes the paradigm under which modern scientists exchange information, there is increasing need to capitalize on these same technologies to fortify nomenclature. ZooBank has been proposed as the official registry of names and nomenclatural acts, in zoology, as well as associated published works and their authors, and type specimens. Having a coordinated registry of zoological names, integrated with the existing Code of Zoological Nomenclature, will allow increased efficiency of communication among biologists, and enhanced stability of names. Such a registry would encompass two distinct realms, each with their own set of challenges. Retrospective registration involves the monumental task of aggregating and validating two and a half centuries of existing names, whereas prospective registration must be tightly integrated with the future paradigm in which scientific names are created and managed under new models of publication. The prototype of ZooBank has been hosted at Bishop Museum during its initial development phase. Following the lead of standard-setting bodies in biodiversity informatics, Life Science Identifiers (LSIDs) have been selected for use as the globally unique identifiers for ZooBank registration entries. The first ZooBank LSIDs were issued on January 1 st , 2008, and included five new fish species described in a work published that same day, as well as all 4,819 names established in the 10 th Edition of Linnaeus’ Systema Naturae. Three alternate scenarios for implementing mandatory registration in ZooBank have been articulated, each incorporating different degrees of coordination between published works and registration events. A robust discussion involving a broad spectrum of practicing zoological taxonomists is required over the next several years to define the specific implementation aspects of ZooBank.

Latin America informal labour brings benefits and woes

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Latin America ◽  
Structural Characteristic ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Informal Sector ◽  
Formal Sector ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Illegal Activity ◽  
Self Employment ◽  
Barriers To Access ◽  
Informal Labour

Subject Defining the informal sector in Latin America. Significance Although variable across the region, the so-called ‘informal sector’ has long been a structural characteristic of most Latin American societies. However, its measurement has long proved problematic as, indeed, has its definition. Business organisations have argued that informality needs to be tackled by reducing the barriers to access to the ‘formal’ sector, while others have maintained that it is a problem of reinforcing property rights. Impacts Informality will encourage further migration, often overseas. The divide between extra-legal and illegal activity will remain blurred, like that between self-employment and informality. Countries with large informal sectors will be obliged to embrace them rather than reject them.

scholarly journals Survey of Canadian Myotonic Dystrophy Patients’ Access to Computer Technology

2017 ◽  
Vol 44 (5) ◽  
pp. 567-571 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seth A. Climans ◽  
Christine Piechowicz ◽  
Wilma J. Koopman ◽  
Shannon L. Venance
Keyword(s):  
Myotonic Dystrophy ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Patient Portal ◽  
Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 ◽  
Myotonic Dystrophy Type ◽  
Disease Registry ◽  
Barriers To Access ◽  
Access Information ◽  
Dominant Condition

AbstractBackground: Myotonic dystrophy type 1 is an autosomal dominant condition affecting distal hand strength, energy, and cognition. Increasingly, patients and families are seeking information online. An online neuromuscular patient portal under development can help patients access resources and interact with each other regardless of location. It is unknown how individuals living with myotonic dystrophy interact with technology and whether barriers to access exist. We aimed to characterize technology use among participants with myotonic dystrophy and to determine whether there is interest in a patient portal. Methods: Surveys were mailed to 156 participants with myotonic dystrophy type 1 registered with the Canadian Neuromuscular Disease Registry. Results: Seventy-five participants (60% female) responded; almost half were younger than 46 years. Most (84%) used the internet; almost half of the responders (47%) used social media. The complexity and cost of technology were commonly cited reasons not to use technology. The majority of responders (76%) were interested in a myotonic dystrophy patient portal. Conclusions: Patients in a Canada-wide registry of myotonic dystrophy have access to and use technology such as computers and mobile phones. These patients expressed interest in a portal that would provide them with an opportunity to network with others with myotonic dystrophy and to access information about the disease.

scholarly journals Scarabaeinae dung beetles from Ecuador: a catalog, nomenclatural acts, and distribution records

ZooKeys ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 826 ◽  
pp. 1-343 ◽  
Author(s):  
William Chamorro ◽  
Diego Marin-Armijos ◽  
Angélico Asenjo ◽  
Fernando Z. Vaz-De-Mello
Keyword(s):  
Geographical Distribution ◽  
Amazon Basin ◽  
Dung Beetles ◽  
Valid Species ◽  
Galápagos Islands ◽  
Type Specimens ◽  
New Synonym ◽  
Scientific Collections ◽  
Andean Highlands ◽  
Coastal Lowlands

The Ecuadorian territory is divided into four natural regions: the coastal lowlands, the Andean highlands, the Amazon basin, and the Galapagos Islands. Each of these regions has its own ecosystems and specific vegetation. The purpose of this work is to compile an updated catalog of the Scarabaeinae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) of Ecuador that includes distributional data and several nomenclatural acts. We compiled data from 25 scientific collections, with the examination of 13,550 scarabaeines; additionally, 390 bibliographic references were reviewed for their taxonomic histories. The Scarabaeinae fauna from Ecuador is represented by 33 genera and 223 species, with 45 range-restricted species; 27 species were erroneously recorded from the country. The following nomenclatural acts are made: (A) two new status as valid species: Canthon (Glaphyrocanthon) ohausi Balthasar, 1939,stat. n., and Deltochilum (Calhyboma) arrowi Paulian, 1939stat. n.; (B) one new synonym:UroxysmagnusBalthasar, 1940 =UroxyslatesulcatusBates, 1891,syn. n.; (C) two revalidated names: Canthidium (Canthidium) orbiculatum (Lucas, 1857) and Dichotomius (Luederwaldtinia) fortepunctatus (Luederwaldt, 1923); and (D) ten lectotypes designated for:ChoeridiumorbiculatumLucas, 1857;ChoeridiumcupreumBlanchard, 1846;CanthidiumcoerulescensBalthasar, 1939;CanthonangustatusHarold, 1867;CanthonangustatusohausiBalthasar, 1939;DeltochilumtessellatumBates, 1870;PinotusfortepunctatusLuederwaldt, 1923;PinotusglobulusFelsche, 1901;UroxyslatesulcatusBates, 1891; andUroxysmagnusBalthasar, 1940. The type specimens related to the new nomenclatural acts are illustrated and the maps of the geographical distribution of all species are provided.

scholarly journals Forest ghost moth fauna of northeastern India (Lepidoptera: Hepialidae: Endoclita, Palpifer, and Hepialiscus)

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 9940 ◽  
Author(s):  
John R. Grehan ◽  
Vijay Anand Ismavel
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Impacts ◽  
Species Distributions ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Biological Characteristics ◽  
Indian Region ◽  
Biological Information ◽  
Vegetation Types ◽  
Type Specimens ◽  
Northeast Region ◽  
Northeastern India

Taxonomic and biological information is reviewed for the forest Hepialidae of northeastern India, a poorly known group of moths in a region known for the global significance of its biodiversity.  The taxonomic and biological characteristics are described for genera known from the northeast - Endoclita, Palpifer, and Hepialiscus. A key is provided for distinguishing these genera and the genus Thitarodes known from nearby Bhutan, China, and Nepal, which is almost certainly present within the borders of India.  Taxonomic characteristics are described for 12 species from the northeast along with illustrations of the species and maps of their known distributions.  Information on species distributions is extremely fragmentary and it is considered very likely that most species have more extensive distributions than currently documented.  The northeastern Indian region represents a center of hepialid diversity comprising three principal distribution patterns: (i) local endemics, (ii) Himalayan, and (iii) northeastern.  Comparison of distribution records and major vegetation types indicate the absence of information on the hepialid fauna for much of the northeast region.  The principal challenge for future documentation and assessment of the hepialid fauna for this region, as with any other part of India, is the lack of modern descriptions of type specimens.  The inclusion of voucher collections of Hepialidae in future biodiversity surveys of northeastern India is to be strongly encouraged, particularly in the context of current and future environmental impacts affecting the sustainability of forest environments in the region. 

scholarly journals Effects of Channels of Communication on Female Literacy

2020 ◽  
Vol Volume 4 (Issue 3) ◽  
pp. 335-352
Author(s):  
Mahira Afzal ◽  
Dr. Muhammad Zakria Zakar
Keyword(s):  
Mass Media ◽  
Random Sampling ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Cultural Barriers ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
Barriers To Access ◽  
Access Information ◽  
Female Literacy

This research explores possible avenues to accelerate female literacy through channels of communication as means of knowledge and information. 500 female respondents aged 14 years and above residing in Lahore district of Punjab, were selected based on random sampling technique. The study shows that channels of communication are successful streams and effective tools for enhancing female literacy. Females despite being literate still face socio-cultural barriers to access information and knowledge. The analysis shows that channels of communication particularly newspaper and magazine/digest are major contributing factors in enhancement of female literacy and education. Varied levels of effects on enhancement of literacy and education are recorded in case of mass media and IPC, when analyzed together. Literate female can access newspaper and magazine/digest more easily than TV and radio. Medium of information and knowledge with regard to literacy is proved to be mass media and IPC with varied degrees.

scholarly journals Revision of the genera Xanthogaleruca Laboissière, 1932 and Pyrrhalta Joannis, 1865 (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae) of Taiwan, with type designation of Galerucella lineatipes Takei

ZooKeys ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 1039 ◽  
pp. 1-108
Author(s):  
Chi-Feng Lee ◽  
Jan Bezděk
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Host Plants ◽  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
Biological Information ◽  
Type Specimens ◽  
Senior Synonym ◽  
Species Groups ◽  
Almost All ◽  
A New Species

The taxonomic status of Pyrrhalta Joannis, 1865 and allied genera Tricholochmaea Laboissière, 1932 and Xanthogaleruca Laboissière, 1934 is discussed based on the study of Taiwanese species. Tentatively, Xanthogaleruca and Pyrrhalta are regarded as valid genera while Tricholochmaea is a synonym of Pyrrhalta. Fourteen species are recognized and redescribed, including P. gressitti Kimoto, 1969; P. taiwana Kimoto, 1969; P. viridipennis Kimoto, 1981; P. igai Kimoto, 1981; P. meifena Kimoto, 1976; P. maculata Gressitt &amp; Kimoto, 1963; P. tsoui Bezděk &amp; Lee, 2019; P. semifulva (Jacoby, 1885); P. discalis Gressitt &amp; Kimoto, 1963; P. ishiharai Kimoto, 1994; P. shirozui Kimoto, 1969; P. kobayashii Kimoto, 1974; P. ohbayashii Kimoto, 1984; and P. takizawai Kimoto, 1996. Taiwanese populations identified as Xanthogaleruca aenescens (Fairmaire) were misidentified and those are described as a new species, X. yuaesp. nov.Xanthogaleruca aenescens is redescribed for comparison. Eight additional new species of Pyrrhalta are described: P. alishanensissp. nov., P. houjayisp. nov., P. formosanensissp. nov., P. jungchanisp. nov., P. luisp. nov., P. meihuaisp. nov., P. tahsiangisp. nov., and P. wulaiensissp. nov. Type specimens of Galerucella lineatipes Takei, 1916 were rediscovered and are designated as lectotype and paralectotype. Galerucella lineatipes is removed from synonymy with G. calmariensis (Linnaeus, 1767) and regarded as a senior synonym of P. humeralis (Chen, 1942), syn. nov. Most Pyrrhalta species can be classified into four species groups based on their morphological and genitalic similarity. host plants and other biological information are provided for almost all species.

Abstract 1122‐000139: Impact of COVID‐19 on Acute Ischemic Stroke Treatment in Latin America

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (S1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanusri Gudavalli
Keyword(s):  
Latin America ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Stroke Care ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Stroke Treatment ◽  
Barriers To Access ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Number Of Treatment

Introduction : Acute ischemic stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability in the lower and middle income countries (LMIC). The emergence of COVID‐19 has negatively impacted medical care, specifically AIS treatment, in many parts of the world. In this study, we investigated AIS treatment barriers in high COVID‐19 incidence regions in Latin America. Methods : In our study, we organized the 21 Latin American regions based on the number of COVID‐19 cases from the highest to the lowest. In August 2020, Brazil had the highest number of COVID‐19 cases which was 2,736,298 while Belize had the lowest number of COVID‐19 cases which was 57. Taking the top 5 countries with the highest COVID‐19 cases (Brazil, Peru, Chile, Colombia, and Argentina), we compiled a list of neurologists, neurosurgeons, and neurointerventionalists involved in stroke care. We then sent 100 of these clinicians a survey to understand the effects of the pandemic on stroke treatment in their hospitals. Following the survey, we requested the doctors to set up an interview to delve deeper into the barriers to access to AIS treatment. Out of the 100 clinicians contacted, 16 filled out the survey and 14 doctors set up an interview with us. Results : Using the survey results and the interview data, the top‐5 barriers mentioned were transportation, disease awareness, rehabilitation, shortages in staff, and fear among the public about contracting COVID‐19 at the hospital. About 62% of the doctors indicated that people are scared of coming to the hospital due to the high COVID‐19 cases. Furthermore, 60% of the doctors mentioned that there has been a lack of staff at hospitals which causes a reduction in the number of treatment procedures performed, especially mechanical thrombectomies. Moreover, 50% of the doctors said that the main barrier was transportation delay, which results in time lost before treatment. About 50% of the doctors also mentioned that most of the population does not know what AIS is or its symptoms, resulting in fewer patients seeking appropriate care. Finally, 50% of the doctors said that there has been no sufficient rehabilitation. Many rehab units/hospitals have been converted into COVID‐19 hospitals due to the large number of COVID‐19 patients. Therefore, after a patient has received stroke treatment, they have not been able to recover back to their original healthy status. These barriers have overall decreased AIS treatments in hospitals and have negatively impacted patients who have experienced AIS. Conclusions : Overall, the emergence of COVID‐19 has negatively impacted AIS treatment in regions in Latin America with the highest COVID‐19 cases. Hospitals faced several barriers during the pandemic making it difficult for staff to adjust to those specific circumstances. Based on recommendations that doctors have provided us, we are currently working with doctors in Peru to launch an app that tackles the transportation, educational, and rehabilitation barriers. This app will allow patients to connect with doctors online and perform rehabilitation exercises at the comfort of their home while also being able to learn more about stroke.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document