NEOTROPICAL XENARTHRANS: a data set of occurrence of xenarthran species in the Neotropics

Xenarthrans – anteaters, sloths, and armadillos – have essential functions for ecosystem maintenance, such as insect control and nutrient cycling, playing key roles as ecosystem engineers. Because of habitat loss and fragmentation, hunting pressure, and conflicts with 24 domestic dogs, these species have been threatened locally, regionally, or even across their full distribution ranges. The Neotropics harbor 21 species of armadillos, ten anteaters, and six sloths. Our dataset includes the families Chlamyphoridae (13), Dasypodidae (7), Myrmecophagidae (3), Bradypodidae (4), and Megalonychidae (2). We have no occurrence data on Dasypus pilosus (Dasypodidae). Regarding Cyclopedidae, until recently, only one species was recognized, but new genetic studies have revealed that the group is represented by seven species. In this data-paper, we compiled a total of 42,528 records of 31 species, represented by occurrence and quantitative data, totaling 24,847 unique georeferenced records. The geographic range is from the south of the USA, Mexico, and Caribbean countries at the northern portion of the Neotropics, to its austral distribution in Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, and Uruguay. Regarding anteaters, Myrmecophaga tridactyla has the most records (n=5,941), and Cyclopes sp. has the fewest (n=240). The armadillo species with the most data is Dasypus novemcinctus (n=11,588), and the least recorded for Calyptophractus retusus (n=33). With regards to sloth species, Bradypus variegatus has the most records (n=962), and Bradypus pygmaeus has the fewest (n=12). Our main objective with Neotropical Xenarthrans is to make occurrence and quantitative data available to facilitate more ecological research, particularly if we integrate the xenarthran data with other datasets of Neotropical Series which will become available very soon (i.e. Neotropical Carnivores, Neotropical Invasive Mammals, and Neotropical Hunters and Dogs). Therefore, studies on trophic cascades, hunting pressure, habitat loss, fragmentation effects, species invasion, and climate change effects will be possible with the Neotropical Xenarthrans dataset

Il ruolo delle competenze economiche nel processo di Health Technology Assessment (HTA)

Le discipline economiche considerano la creazione del valore per i pazienti il vero scopo dei sistemi sanitari e delle unità aziendali che operano nel suo ambito. La valutazione dell'introduzione di nuove tecnologie all'interno di un'azienda sanitaria o ospedaliera deve fondarsi sulle tecniche finanziarie del capital budgeting, con l'utilizzo del VAN. L'Health Technology Assessment deve integrare diversi metodi di valutazione compreso quello economico. In Italia in assenza di una agenzia nazionale di HTA le procedure di valutazione si sono sviluppate dal basso dando vita all'Hospital based HTA. In alcuni ospedali sono state create Unità di Valutazione delle Tecnologie (UVT). E' essenziale che le UVT abbiano carattere multidisciplinare e multiprofessionale e comprendano competenze economiche e finanziarie. Si auspica che in Italia si diffonda la creazione di UVT in grado di assicurarecompetenze multidisciplinari. E' opportuno che gli economisti che operano all'interno delle UVT ospedaliere apportino metodi di valutazione ispirati ai principi finanziaridel capital budgeting e fondati sul calcolo del valore attuale degli investimenti