ConR: An R package to assist large-scale multispecies preliminary conservation assessments using distribution data

Published online: 16 Dec 2017The Red List Categories and the accompanying five criteria developed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) provide an authoritative and comprehensive methodology to assess the conservation status of organisms. Red List criterion B, which principally uses distribution data, is the most widely used to assess conservation status, particularly of plant species. No software package has previously been available to perform large-scale multispecies calculations of the three main criterion B parameters [extent of occurrence (EOO), area of occupancy (AOO) and an estimate of the number of locations] and provide preliminary conservation assessments using an automated batch process. We developed ConR, a dedicated R package, as a rapid and efficient tool to conduct large numbers of preliminary assessments, thereby facilitating complete Red List assessment. ConR (1) calculates key geographic range parameters (AOO and EOO) and estimates the number of locations sensu IUCN needed for an assessment under criterion B; (2) uses this information in a batch process to generate preliminary assessments of multiple species; (3) summarize the parameters and preliminary assessments in a spreadsheet; and (4) provides a visualization of the results by generating maps suitable for the submission of full assessments to the IUCN Red List. ConR can be used for any living organism for which reliable georeferenced distribution data are available. As distributional data for taxa become increasingly available via large open access datasets, ConR provides a novel, timely tool to guide and accelerate the work of the conservation and taxonomic communities by enabling practitioners to conduct preliminary assessments simultaneously for hundreds or even thousands of species in an efficient and time-saving way

The management of diabetic ketoacidosis in children

The object of this review is to provide the definitions, frequency, risk factors, pathophysiology, diagnostic considerations, and management recommendations for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in children and adolescents, and to convey current knowledge of the causes of permanent disability or mortality from complications of DKA or its management, particularly the most common complication, cerebral edema (CE). DKA frequency at the time of diagnosis of pediatric diabetes is 10%–70%, varying with the availability of healthcare and the incidence of type 1 diabetes (T1D) in the community. Recurrent DKA rates are also dependent on medical services and socioeconomic circumstances. Management should be in centers with experience and where vital signs, neurologic status, and biochemistry can be monitored with sufficient frequency to prevent complications or, in the case of CE, to intervene rapidly with mannitol or hypertonic saline infusion. Fluid infusion should precede insulin administration (0.1 U/kg/h) by 1–2 hours; an initial bolus of 10–20 mL/kg 0.9% saline is followed by 0.45% saline calculated to supply maintenance and replace 5%–10% dehydration. Potassium (K) must be replaced early and sufficiently. Bicarbonate administration is contraindicated. The prevention of DKA at onset of diabetes requires an informed community and high index of suspicion; prevention of recurrent DKA, which is almost always due to insulin omission, necessitates a committed team effort

Cyperus amabilis Vahl

https://thekeep.eiu.edu/herbarium_specimens_byname/8103/thumbnail.jp

Cyperus cuspidatus Kunth

https://thekeep.eiu.edu/herbarium_specimens_byname/8104/thumbnail.jp

Cyperus amabilis Vahl

https://thekeep.eiu.edu/herbarium_specimens_byname/8103/thumbnail.jp

Synoptic revision of Stenanona (Annonaceae)

Preparation of a treatment of the Annonaceae for the Flora Mesoamericana necessitates the description of five new species of Stenanona (S. carrillensis, S. hondurensis, S. monticola, S. tuberculata and S. tubiflora); three additional new species are described from Colombia (S. columbiensis and S. narinensis) and Mexico (S. wendtii). A key to the 14 recognized species in the genus is presented, as well as notes on potential relationships, distribution, and conservation status

On how to model content engineering in a semantic web environment

The technologies of the Semantic Web demand complex publications which themselves are the result of complex production processes. The complexity of these publications is cause and effect of more sophisticated communication processes possible through the Semantic Web. We introduce a model which briefly describes these processes on a solution-independent level by using a market perspective. The model is based on the assumption of a market interaction between content offer and demand, but is independent of the existence of real content markets with financial transactions. We emphasise the need of structured guidelines for Semantic Web Content Engineering Processes. Furthermore, the model represents a foundation for their development

Two new species of Diospyros (Ebenaceae) from Central Africa

Background and aims – Diospyros (Ebenaceae), a large genus with a mostly tropical distribution, includes 736 species worldwide, 104 of which occur in continental Africa. During recent field work in west-central Gabon, two new species of Diospyros were collected. They are described and illustrated here, and compared with their most similar relatives. Preliminary conservation status assessments are also provided. Methods – Normal practices of herbarium taxonomy were applied to study all available herbarium material, mainly from BR, BRLU, LBV, MO, P and WAG. The conservation status of both species was evaluated following the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria. Key results – Diospyros cleistantha O.Lachenaud & G.E.Schatz occurs in the Atlantic regions of Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon; it belongs to D. sect. Calvitiella and closely resembles D. zenkeri and D. iturensis. Diospyros subargentea O.Lachenaud, Dauby & G.E.Schatz is endemic to west-central Gabon; it belongs to D. sect. Noltia and most closely resembles D. soyauxii. The conservation status of the two species is assessed as Endangered and Vulnerable, respectively.SCOPUS: ar.jinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe

Seven taxonomic discoveries in Annonaceae from south-eastern central America

During fieldwork in Costa Rica and Panama five undescribed species of Guatteria and one new species of Desmopsis were collected and are described here. Additionally, a poorly known species of Pseudomalmea is describe