The use and misuse of the "impact factor" as a parameter for evaluation of scientific publication quality: a proposal to rationalize its application

We present a critical analysis of the generalized use of the "impact factor". By means of the Kruskal-Wallis test, it was shown that it is not possible to compare distinct disciplines using the impact factor without adjustments. After assigning the median journal the value of one (1.000), the impact factor value for each journal was calculated by the rule of three. The adjusted values were homogeneous, thus permitting comparison among distinct disciplines

Estimation and probabilistic projection of age- and sex-specific mortality rates across Brazilian municipalities between 2010 and 2030

Background Mortality rate estimation in small areas can be difficult due the low number of events/exposure (i.e. stochastic error). If the death records are not completed, it adds a systematic uncertainty on the mortality estimates. Previous studies in Brazil have combined demographic and statistical methods to partially overcome these issues. We estimated age- and sex-specific mortality rates for all 5,565 Brazilian municipalities in 2010 and forecasted probabilistic mortality rates and life expectancy between 2010 and 2030. Methods We used a combination of the Tool for Projecting Age-Specific Rates Using Linear Splines (TOPALS), Bayesian Model, Spatial Smoothing Model and an ad-hoc procedure to estimate age- and sex-specific mortality rates for all Brazilian municipalities for 2010. Then we adapted the Lee-Carter model to forecast mortality rates by age and sex in all municipalities between 2010 and 2030. Results The adjusted sex- and age-specific mortality rates for all Brazilian municipalities in 2010 reveal a distinct regional pattern, showcasing a decrease in life expectancy in less socioeconomically developed municipalities when compared to estimates without adjustments. The forecasted mortality rates indicate varying regional improvements, leading to a convergence in life expectancy at birth among small areas in Brazil. Consequently, a reduction in the variability of age at death across Brazil’s municipalities was observed, with a persistent sex differential. Conclusion Mortality rates at a small-area level were successfully estimated and forecasted, with associated uncertainty estimates also generated for future life tables. Our approach could be applied across countries with data quality issues to improve public policy planning

Nematóides do Brasil. Parte V: nematóides de mamíferos Brazillan nematodes. Part V: nematodes of mammals

<abstract language="eng">A survey of nematode species parasitizing Brazilian mammals is presented, with enough data to provide their specific identification. The tirst section refers to the survey ofthe species, related to 21 superfamilies, 45 families, 160 genera and 495 species that are illustrated and measurement tables are given. The second section is concerned to the catalogue ofhost mammals which includes 34 families, 176 species and their respective parasite nematodes. The identification of these helminths is achieved by means of keys to the superfamilies, families and genera. Specific determination is induced through the figures and tables as above mentioned

Vital statistics of triatominae (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) under laboratory conditions: III. Rhodnius neglectus

Cinco cohortes de 100 huevos deRhodnius neglectusLent 1954 (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) se criaron de manera simultánea en el laboratorio bajo condiciones constantes (26 1C and 60 10% HR), registrándose semanalmente la mortalidad y la fecundidad. Calculamos los tiempos de desarrollo por estadios (tiempo de desarrollo total 15 semanas), las estadísticas vitales (mortalidad y fecundidad específica por edades, mortalidad preadulta específica por estadios), y los parámetros de crecimiento poblacional (la tasa intrínseca de crecimiento natural (r0 0,21), la tasa finita de crecimiento poblacional ( 1,23),la tasa de reproducción (R0314,24), y el tiempo generacional (T21,45 semanas)).El análisis de elasticidad indica que el rasgo dominante de la historia de vida que determina es la supervivencia de la hembra adulta, y el tiempo en que las ninfas V permanecen en ese estadio. Las hembras adultas dominaron el valor reproductor específico por estadios, y la fase del huevo dominó la distribución estable de estadios (SSD). La tasa de amortiguación ( 1,11) sugiere un período relativamente rápido de recuperación a un SSD si la misma es perturbada. Se compararon las estadísticas vitales con valores de la bibliografía y se encontró una concordancia relativamente satisfactoria, tomando en consideración que las condiciones ambientales no siempre eran las mismas. En una comparación con otras dos especies delmismo género, Rhodnius neivai Lent 1953 y Rhodnius prolixus Stål 1859, R. neglectus evidencia valores más altos en la fecundidad (huevos totales/ /vida) y en la longevidad de la hembra, valores intermedios en la tasa intrínseca de crecimiento natural (r0), y valores más bajos en el tiempo de desarrollo y en la mortalidad. Se realizó un ajuste de los valores de densidad de una colonización espontánea de dos gallineros experimentales en el campo a un modelologístico de crecimiento poblacional y se pudo estimarla tasa intrínseca de crecimiento natural (r0) y la capacidad de carga, y compararla r0 con nuestros resultados de laboratorio.Five cohorts of 100 eggs of Rhodnius neglectus Lent 1954 (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) were reared simultaneously in the laboratory under constant conditions (26 ±1°Â°C and 60 ±10% RH), with mortality and fecundity data recorded weekly. We calculated stage-specific developmental times, agespecific mortality and fecundity, stage-specific and total preadult mortality, and the intrinsic rate of natural increase (ro = 0.21), the finite population growth rate (λ = 1.23), the net reproductive rate (Ro = 314.24), and the generation time (T = 21.45 wk). Elasticity analysis showed that the dominant life-history traits determining Î" were the adult female survival, and the survival of instar V nymphs (molting into adult females). Adult females dominated the stage-specific reproductive value, and the egg stage dominated the stable stage distribution (SSD). The damping ratio (p = 1.11) suggests a relatively rapid period of recovery to a disturbed SSD. Results were compared with previous values from the literature and conform relatively well, considering that environmental conditions were not always the same. Compared with two other species of the same genus, Rhodnius neivai Lent 1953 and Rhodnius prolixus Stal 1859, R. neglectus ranked higher in fecundity (total eggs/♀/life) and in female longevity, intermediate in the intrinsic rate of natural increase (ro), and lower in developmental time and mortality. By fitting a logistic model of population growth to the density field values of a spontaneous colonization of two field experimental chicken coops we estimated the intrinsic rate of natural increase and carrying capacity parameters, and compared the former with our laboratory results.Fil: Rabinovich, Jorge Eduardo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo. Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores; ArgentinaFil: Nieves, Eliana Lorena. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo. Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores; Argentin