DOI: 10.3897/arphapreprints.e174548

Authors: Luciana Chavez Rodriguez, Guilherme Oyarzabal, Bruno Eleres Soares, Alejandra Guzmán Luna, César Marín

Abstract: A brain drain phenomenon, i.e., the migration of highly skilled professionals, has represented and still represents a severe loss of intellectual capital for Global South countries. Factors driving this migration include limited research infrastructure, funding constraints, political instability, and the lack of scientific career prospects in the Global South, and the consequences are multifaceted. While this can hinder local development in the Global South, it simultaneously enriches research ecosystems in the Global North, exacerbating existing global inequalities in science and technology. Under this scenario, scientific diasporas represent an effort to counterbalance the brain drain scenario through initiatives that aim to increase science and technology, which are led by self-organized expat professionals and scientists. While we can find some successful examples of international cooperation driven by scientific diasporas, without a proper organization and full participation of the governments of the countries of origin, scientific diasporas can become dysfunctional and can promote more migration upon training. We, five early-career scientists, discuss our perspectives and personal reflections on scientific diasporas. We describe three migration models of highly skilled professionals, starting with a brain drain model, scientific diaspora, and dysfunctional scientific diaspora, and provide some ideas to help the implementation of successful scientific diasporas. We believe that migration must be a personal decision seeking scientific growth and professional development, and not the only option we should have to pursue a fulfilling career in science.

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DOI: 10.3897/arphapreprints.e139375

Authors: Lane Rasberry, Daniel Mietchen

Abstract: Various sources describe Wikipedia's popularity in different ways, including by count of its users, frequency of use, and its utility as an information resource in many fields of knowledge. The Wikimedia Foundation has claimed that Wikipedia has reached billions of readers; commercial web traffic services have ranked Wikipedia as a top-10 website by popularity; and researchers analyzing demographic surveys and user behavior metrics have described Wikipedia readers in enough detail to identify general trends. Researchers note that Wikipedia traffic data is public for examination, and also that the Wikipedia volunteer editorial community invites transparency by developing ethical guidelines to encourage analysis of Wikipedia's impact. Although Wikipedia is popular and its audience metrics are accessible, Wikipedia is unlike comparable media platforms and services in that it is rarely the target of professional, expert, or sponsored content development. We review the literature describing Wikipedia, and offer commentary on the dual nature of Wikipedia as simultaneously a popular communication channel and a media outlet with little documented recognition for its success in reaching audiences.

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DOI: 10.3897/arphapreprints.e134421

Authors: Xavier Chiappa Carrara, Maribel Badillo Alemán, Ariana Solís Gómez, Alfredo Gallardo Torres, Eduardo Pacheco Gongora

Abstract: The Otolith Collection of Fishes from the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea was created with the objective of conserving and illustrate the diversity of these structures from species living in the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, and the freshwater and brackish systems of the Yucatan Peninsula, incorporating morphological descriptions and morphometric data. Otoliths, non-skeletal calcareous structures that develop in the inner ear of fish, are essential for balance and hearing. They have become pivotal tools for age and growth determination, population analysis, and ecological, trophic, and archaeological studies due to their resistance to degradation and the extensive information they provide about the environment and physiology of fish. The collection now includes otoliths from 214 species from 67 families, obtained through sampling campaigns and collaborations with local fishermen. The otoliths are extracted using techniques that ensure the integrity of the structures for later preservation. High-resolution images are obtained using optical and scanning electron microscopy, and these images are stored in an online database. This database facilitates research and teaching by providing public access to digital specimens and associated data. In addition to fostering academic development, this collection represents a significant step towards the creation of a national platform for otolith data analysis, aligned with international efforts to digitize biological collections. Despite the financial and logistical challenges involved in building and maintaining biological collections, this collection demonstrates its value as an essential resource for taxonomic, systematic, and ecological studies, as well as for biodiversity education and awareness. The online availability of the collection not only facilitates access to data but also promotes innovation and international collaboration in the study of fishes and their habitats.

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DOI: 10.3897/arphapreprints.e113306

Authors: Karel Torres-Lozano, Milagros Cabrera-Soregui, Enrique Garcia-Candela, Victor Puicon-Niño de Guzman, Fernando Mesias-Valle

Abstract: Piaractus brachypomus is the most produced Amazonian fish in Peru; however, little is known about histological lesions that monogeneans produce in their gills. When examining 40 juveniles of P. brachypomus from two comercial fish farms, presence of Anacanthorus penilabiatus and Mymarothecium viatorum were found, with a total monogenean prevalence of 100%, with a mean intensity and mean abundance of 225.5 parasites/fish for both indices. At the level of the gill tissue, lesions identified were dilation and congestion of the central vein and hyperplasia of the secondary lamella with eosinophilic and lymphocytic infiltration. This is the first report of histopathological alterations caused by the infection of Anacanthorus penilabiatus and Mymarothecium viatorum in cultured groups of P. brachypomus in the Peruvian Amazon, and indicates the need to improve good practices and biosafety in the production of this fish to prevent or control the impact of these monogeneans.

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DOI: 10.3897/arphapreprints.e102047

Authors: Serena Rasconi

Abstract: The fist hybrid meeting and workshop of the COST Action “Applications for zoosporic parasites in aquatic systems” was held from 4th to 7th of July 2022 at the Multifunctional Center for Social Activities and Welfare of the Larnaka Municipality in Larnaca, Cyprus. 22 participants from 11 countries and 15 institutions attended on site, 26 participants from 9 countries and 26 institutions attended online. The activities included presentations, open discussions and collaborative work.This report presents the results of the feedback survey send to participants after the event. The survey was anonymous and included multiple choice responses (checkboxes) and short answers to complete and provide arguments to the checkboxes answers. 16 surveys were collected from the 54 participants, 13 from onsite and 3 from virtual attendees. Based on feedbacks and comments from the participants, the report will also include some considerations on challenges and advantages of mixed events.The report will contribute to set-up an active network and effective communication strategy for ParAqua, by describing advantages and limitations of different settings based on the Action experience and provide tips and hints to foster collaboration and effective work in hybrid mode.

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