Proper Taxonomy Research Articles

Taxonomic diversity of marine planktonic ‘y-larvae’ (Crustacea: Facetotecta) from a coral reef hotspot locality (Japan, Okinawa), with a key to y-nauplii

The enigmatic ‘y-larvae’ (Thecostraca: Facetotecta) are microscopic marine planktonic crustaceans that were discovered more than a century ago, yet to this day their adults remain unknown. Despite occurring locally in large diversities, and therefore presumably being of ecological importance, only 17 species have been described globally, rendering it practically impossible to identify any y-larval specimen from any locality. The fact that species have been based on different life stages (nauplii and/or cyprids) further hampers identification. Y-larvae include many forms with planktotrophic (feeding) nauplii and even more with lecithotrophic (non-feeding) nauplii. At one coral-reef locality on the shore of Sesoko Island (Okinawa, Japan), extensive fieldwork in 2018 and 2019 confirmed an enormous taxonomic diversity of y-larvae there. Here, we present morphological diagnoses and an identification key for 34 lecithotrophic y-naupliar types (or morphospecies), which will correspond minimally to the same number of species when described. As a temporary measure, all are referred to by alphabetical parataxonomic designations, except for three that have been formally described already within the genus Hansenocaris Itô, 1985. To this should be added an additional 7–9 planktotrophic y-naupliar morphospecies, which are only treated briefly. Most often, y-larval taxonomy has been based on the cyprid stage, but the large morphological diversity of y-nauplii suggests that nauplii are at least as important for taxonomy. Lecithotrophic y-nauplii display a multitude of body shapes, the form-evolution of which is discussed here with reference to a recent molecular phylogeny of Facetotecta partly based on material from the same site. An indirect estimate of the relative abundances of all 34 lecithotrophic y-naupliar morphospecies is presented, based on laboratory-reared final-instar specimens. This treatment is intended as a step towards a proper taxonomy and a revised classification of Facetotecta, which will involve detailed descriptions of both nauplii and cyprids. Until such work progresses, the present overview of the y-naupliar fauna of a single Okinawan locality known to be a hotspot of y-larval diversity is offered as a baseline for further surveys of Facetotecta elsewhere in the Indo-West Pacific and beyond.

Single-cell RNA sequencing of human non-hematopoietic bone marrow cells reveals a unique set of inter-species conserved biomarkers for native mesenchymal stromal cells

BackgroundNative bone marrow (BM) mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (BM-MSCs) participate in generating and shaping the skeleton and BM throughout the lifespan. Moreover, BM-MSCs regulate hematopoiesis by contributing to the hematopoietic stem cell niche in providing critical cytokines, chemokines and extracellular matrix components. However, BM-MSCs contain a heterogeneous cell population that remains ill-defined. Although studies on the taxonomy of native BM-MSCs in mice have just started to emerge, the taxonomy of native human BM-MSCs remains unelucidated.MethodsBy using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), we aimed to define a proper taxonomy for native human BM non-hematopoietic subsets including endothelial cells (ECs) and mural cells (MCs) but with a focal point on MSCs. To this end, transcriptomic scRNA-seq data were generated from 5 distinct BM donors and were analyzed together with other transcriptomic data and with computational biology analyses at different levels to identify, characterize and classify distinct native cell subsets with relevant biomarkers.ResultsWe could ascribe novel specific biomarkers to ECs, MCs and MSCs. Unlike ECs and MCs, MSCs exhibited an adipogenic transcriptomic pattern while co-expressing genes related to hematopoiesis support and multilineage commitment potential. Furthermore, by a comparative analysis of scRNA-seq of BM cells from humans and mice, we identified core genes conserved in both species. Notably, we identified MARCKS, CXCL12, PDGFRA, and LEPR together with adipogenic factors as archetypal biomarkers of native MSCs within BM. In addition, our data suggest some complex gene nodes regulating critical biological functions of native BM-MSCs together with a preferential commitment toward an adipocyte lineage.ConclusionsOverall, our taxonomy for native BM non-hematopoietic compartment provides an explicit depiction of gene expression in human ECs, MCs and MSCs at single-cell resolution. This analysis helps enhance our understanding of the phenotype and the complexity of biological functions of native human BM-MSCs.

Reproductive Status of Several Members of the Simulium arcticum Complex (Diptera: Simuliidae) in Three Populations in Central Washington State

Black fly larval collection sites at three rivers in central Washington state all possess taxa of the Simulium arcticum Malloch complex with the autosomal inversion, IS-1, in high enough frequency to test for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium independently at each site. Such tests determine reproductive status of the taxa present. These situations in which the IS-1 autosomal inversion is in relative high frequency are rare. Moreover, earlier molecular comparisons suggest a single taxon for the S. arcticum complex and cytogenetic studies at the local level may or may not support earlier molecular work. Such knowledge could further our understanding of the proper taxonomy of these taxa, that is, whether they are good biological species or not. I scored the three genotypes of the IS-1 inversion in 247 larvae to test the reproductive status of populations of three members of the Simulium arcticum complex (Simulium brevicercum, S. saxosum, and the newly discovered cytotype (S. arcticum IIL- 81) at the Methow, Entiat and Wenatchee rivers of Washington state. In all three cases, larvae conformed to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, suggesting these populations were panmictic when the collections were made. Thus, these results support earlier molecular work and indicate that the three taxa at these sites can freely interbreed.

What Is Significant in Modern Augmented Reality: A Systematic Analysis of Existing Reviews

Augmented reality (AR) is a field of technology that has evolved drastically during the last decades, due to its vast range of applications in everyday life. The aim of this paper is to provide researchers with an overview of what has been surveyed since 2010 in terms of AR application areas as well as in terms of its technical aspects, and to discuss the extent to which both application areas and technical aspects have been covered, as well as to examine whether one can extract useful evidence of what aspects have not been covered adequately and whether it is possible to define common taxonomy criteria for performing AR reviews in the future. To this end, a search with inclusion and exclusion criteria has been performed in the Scopus database, producing a representative set of 47 reviews, covering the years from 2010 onwards. A proper taxonomy of the results is introduced, and the findings reveal, among others, the lack of AR application reviews covering all suggested criteria.

The Hallmarks of Glioblastoma: Heterogeneity, Intercellular Crosstalk and Molecular Signature of Invasiveness and Progression.

In 2021 the World Health Organization published the fifth and latest version of the Central Nervous System tumors classification, which incorporates and summarizes a long list of updates from the Consortium to Inform Molecular and Practical Approaches to CNS Tumor Taxonomy work. Among the adult-type diffuse gliomas, glioblastoma represents most primary brain tumors in the neuro-oncology practice of adults. Despite massive efforts in the field of neuro-oncology diagnostics to ensure a proper taxonomy, the identification of glioblastoma-tumor subtypes is not accompanied by personalized therapies, and no improvements in terms of overall survival have been achieved so far, confirming the existence of open and unresolved issues. The aim of this review is to illustrate and elucidate the state of art regarding the foremost biological and molecular mechanisms that guide the beginning and the progression of this cancer, showing the salient features of tumor hallmarks in glioblastoma. Pathophysiology processes are discussed on molecular and cellular levels, highlighting the critical overlaps that are involved into the creation of a complex tumor microenvironment. The description of glioblastoma hallmarks shows how tumoral processes can be linked together, finding their involvement within distinct areas that are engaged for cancer-malignancy establishment and maintenance. The evidence presented provides the promising view that glioblastoma represents interconnected hallmarks that may led to a better understanding of tumor pathophysiology, therefore driving the development of new therapeutic strategies and approaches.

Revisiting crowd behaviour analysis through deep learning: Taxonomy, anomaly detection, crowd emotions, datasets, opportunities and prospects

Crowd behaviour analysis is an emerging research area. Due to its novelty, a proper taxonomy to organise its different sub-tasks is still missing. This paper proposes a taxonomic organisation of existing works following a pipeline, where sub-problems in last stages benefit from the results in previous ones. Models that employ Deep Learning to solve crowd anomaly detection, one of the proposed stages, are reviewed in depth, and the few works that address emotional aspects of crowds are outlined. The importance of bringing emotional aspects into the study of crowd behaviour is remarked, together with the necessity of producing real-world, challenging datasets in order to improve the current solutions. Opportunities for fusing these models into already functioning video analytics systems are proposed.

A comprehensive database of Nature-Inspired Algorithms.

These data contain a comprehensive collection of all Nature-Inspired Algorithms. This collection is a result of two corresponding surveys, where all Nature-Inspired Algorithms that have been published to-date were gathered and preliminary data acquired. The rapidly increasing number of nature-inspired approaches makes it hard for interested researchers to keep up. Moreover, a proper taxonomy is necessary, based on specific features of the algorithms. Different taxonomies and useful insight into the application areas that the algorithms have coped with is given through these data. This article provides a detailed description of the above mentioned collection.

Edible flowers: Bioactive profile and its potential to be used in food development.

The consumption of flowers as food is reported in various cultures around the world as part of traditional cuisine or alternative medicine, in addition to their wide use as ornaments. However, many species of edible flowers can be considered more than a delicacy or a garnish due to their nutritional value as source of protein and essential aminoacids. In this scenario, flowers represent an important segment to expand food market, due to their suitable sensory and nutritional characteristics, as well as presence of bioactive compounds beneficial to human health. Research on consumer behavior and purchase intent have been unraveling ways to explore the different attributes of edible flowers, in order to conquer this promising market in the following decades. Socio-cultural factors involved in the consumption of edible flowers have been subject of several studies aiming at popularizing and expanding this growing industry and encouraging local use of traditional flowers is important to preserve endangered traditions. On the other hand, nutritional properties, pharmacological benefits, chemical composition and the forms of preparation of edible species have been increasingly studied with the growing search for natural and health foods. Modern and effective methods for extraction of bioactive compounds from flowers are also contributing to explore their components, allowing the development of functional ingredients for food industry. Some key information as proper taxonomy and toxicological profile are still necessary to stimulate the consumption of edible flowers, as well as the creation of a good practice manual for proper management (cultivation, handling and preparation) of flowers for commercialization. Scientific and technical information on nutritional, therapeutic and chemical features of edible flowers are reviewed and discussed, aiming at strengthening the knowledge, and, consequently, consuming habits and research on their benefits in human diet.

Multivariate analysis of morphological traits of sexually mature <i>Sarotherodon galilaeus</i> (Linnaeus, 1758) in Ogun State Coastal Estuary, Nigeria

Morphological variation in sexually matured Sarotherodon galilaeus was assessed from commercial fishermen operating Iken brushpark – fish aggregating device in Ogun State coastal estuary, Nigeria. Fifteen morphometric features and nine meristic characters were analysed using both univariate and multivariate analyses between the sexes of the population. Univariate analysis showed higher mean values in most of the morphometric and meristic counts of the female population than the males, but significant differences (p<0.05) were recorded in total length, standard length, head length, pectoral ray and gill raker of the first arch. Two and four Principal components were extracted for morphometric and meristic characters with 78.702% and 63.428% total variances respectively. Sexual differences occurred in morphometric characters such as, eye diameter, body weight, head width, length of dorsal base and length of pectoral fin while meristic counts showed overlapping in spinous dorsal fin rays, pectoral fin rays, scales along lateral line, scales above lateral line and gill rakers on the first arch. Canonical Discriminant function revealed the heterogeneity of total length, pectoral fin rays and gill rakers on the first arch in both sexes and these features could be used for the identification of the fish. This study revealed that multivariate statistical tools are effective means of analysing data for proper taxonomy, conservation and management of fish stocks.Keywords: Morphological traits, Multivariate analysis, Sarotherodon galilaeus, brushpark, meristic characters

Understanding Urban Human Mobility through Crowdsensed Data

Understanding how people move in the urban area is important for solving urbanization issues, such as traffic management, urban planning, epidemic control, and communication network improvement. Leveraging recent availability of large amounts of diverse crowdsensed data, many studies have made contributions to this field in various aspects. They need proper review and summary. In this paper, therefore, we first review these recent studies with a proper taxonomy with corresponding examples. Then, based on the experience learnt from the studies, we provide a comprehensive tutorial for future research, which introduces and discusses popular crowdsensed data types, different human mobility subjects, and common data preprocessing and analysis methods. Special emphasis is made on the matching between data types and mobility subjects. Finally, we present two research projects as case studies to demonstrate the entire process of understanding urban human mobility through crowdsensed data in city-wide scale and building-wide scale respectively. Beyond demonstration purpose, the two case studies also make contributions to their category of certain crowdsensed data type and mobility subject.

Parsing Atherosclerosis: The Unnatural History of Peripheral Artery Disease.

Parsing Atherosclerosis: The Unnatural History of Peripheral Artery Disease.

User satisfaction modeling framework for automotive audio interfaces

Currently the research on product satisfaction is evolving to integrate pleasure and delight alongside other, more traditional needs. Pleasure and delight are emotional and hedonic benefits experienced by the user when interacting with the product. Thus, user satisfaction models have to deal with high complexity of product properties that collectively contribute to satisfaction. The formulation of these models has to include not only a proper taxonomy, but also the organization of such properties in categories and their relation to well defined satisfaction dimensions. Successful models would help to find out the most effective technical and design specifications (engineering parameters) that give shape to specific attributes of design, sometimes called “brand feelings”, defined in accordance with the business strategy. The objective of this paper is to present a user satisfaction modeling framework that deals with the complexity of an in-car user interface, namely the audio one. The proposed framework defines three distinct types of product properties: engineering parameters (P), perceived product attributes (A) and satisfaction dimensions (D) and presents a methodology to link the perceived product attributes (A) to satisfaction dimension (D). Relevance to industryBetter understanding of the relationships between perceived and formal properties of automotive audio interfaces in order to contribute to better define their technical and design specifications.

Classificatory Struggles in the Nonprofit Sector

Employing Pierre Bourdieu’s concept of classificatory struggles and sociological literature on professions’ construction of jurisdiction, this article examines the origins of the National Taxonomy of Exempt Entities (NTEE), the dominant classification system for the US nonprofit sector. Using data drawn from archival research and secondary research, I show that the establishment of the NTEE was part of a larger symbolic struggle over the proper classification of charitable foundations. Philanthropic elites and new nonprofit scholars responded to government threats to foundations by integrating them into the newly created “nonprofit sector,” whose societal value—both philanthropic and economic—would be demonstrated through research on this sector. The NTEE was formed by nonprofit researchers to generate valid data that demonstrated the nonprofit sector’s multiple contributions to society’s well-being. Using a theoretical approach, this article extends Bourdieu’s emphasis on classificatory struggles beyond the study of the construction of the characteristics of social classes to explore contestations over the proper taxonomy of organizations and sectors in society.

Update: Taxonomy on the fast track

ISSN 1948‐6596 news and update update Taxonomy on the fast track Biology depends on alpha‐taxonomy: high‐quality and reliable species delineations, species descrip‐ tions and guidance on how to tell species apart. However, taxonomic research can be slow. This problem has been addressed by many recent pa‐ pers, with numerous options proposed for accel‐ erating the process of inventorying biodiversity. It has long been lamented that taxonomy is under‐ funded, which is possibly due to its handicap in academic accreditation (low journal impact fac‐ tors, slow accumulation of citations), but Joppa et al. (2011), in apparent contrast, point out that globally more taxonomists are active today than ever, and that description rates in many taxa are increasing. Awareness is growing among both the producers and consumers of taxonomic knowl‐ edge that the discipline, as traditionally practised, is not up to the task of describing global organis‐ mic diversity in any reasonable time frame. For‐ mal taxonomy has been practiced for 250 years – yet we know, for example, only an estimated 30% of global arthropod species richness. At current rates, it will take many centuries to even get close to describing and naming all extant species (Hamilton et al. 2010, Maddison et al. 2012). Thus, the pressing question is how can tax‐ onomy become more efficient without loss of quality? Educating and employing additional ar‐ mies of specialized taxonomists is probably unre‐ alistic. Skipping proper taxonomy altogether and working on morphospecies is fast, cheap and for some studies justifiable, but it is too error‐prone to qualify as a real solution to the problem (Krell 2004). Also, such data cannot be cross‐referenced across different studies. Many current ideas tend towards technological solutions, the most dis‐ cussed of which is DNA barcoding – i.e., defining and identifying species according to a ubiquitous, short DNA sequence (Hebert et al. 2003). This ap‐ proach is already being widely applied and has some benefits (Valentini et al. 2009, Bik et al. 2012), although it has also been heavily criticised (e.g., Rubinoff et al. 2006). However, other ways of utilizing new tech‐ nologies may also be highly relevant. In particular, IT‐solutions may be able to replace the often rather ancient and fragmented ways of dissemi‐ nating taxonomic information. Many studies are still published in journals with limited and slow access (e.g., paper‐only), and they offer poor ac‐ cess for speedy community‐wide collaboration, feedback and revision. It has been recognized for a while that taxonomy would profit considerably from online solutions (Wheeler 2004, Scoble et al. 2007, Clark et al. 2009). Maddison et al. (2012) summarize current attempts at “e‐taxonomy” and discuss how online technology can change the taxonomic workflow towards more collaborative, faster progress and reduced redundancy. Deans et al. (2012) point out that detailed taxonomic descriptions, an essential part of regis‐ tering and naming new taxa, do not make full use of the effort because information is not easily col‐ lated and compared across larger numbers of spe‐ cies. They suggest that standardization of how taxonomic information is presented combined with advances in text‐mining software (e.g., se‐ mantic tagging; Penev et al. 2010) may open new avenues to utilize these valuable data in other fields, such as ecological and evolutionary studies (in addition to making it easier for taxonomists to access). Essentially, species descriptions could be‐ come the core of a global trait database. Disciplines such as genetics and astronomy have benefited considerably from embracing so‐ phisticated IT approaches. While it cannot be pre‐ dicted which of these ideas will prove suitable for taxonomy, it seems clear that times are changing for the discipline. Jan Beck University of Basel, Dept. Environmental Science (Biogeography), Switzerland. jan.beck@unibas.ch, http://www.biogeography.unibas.ch/beck © 2012 the authors; journal compilation © 2012 The International Biogeography Society — frontiers of biogeography 4.2, 2012

Species delimitation of common reef corals in the genus Pocillopora using nucleotide sequence phylogenies, population genetics and symbiosis ecology

Stony corals in the genus Pocillopora are among the most common and widely distributed of Indo-Pacific corals and, as such, are often the subject of physiological and ecological research. In the far Tropical Eastern Pacific (TEP), they are major constituents of shallow coral communities, exhibiting considerable variability in colony shape and branch morphology and marked differences in response to thermal stress. Numerous intermediates occur between morphospecies that may relate to extensive hybridization. The diversity of the Pocillopora genus in the TEP was analysed genetically using nuclear ribosomal (ITS2) and mitochondrial (ORF) sequences, and population genetic markers (seven microsatellite loci). The resident dinoflagellate endosymbiont (Symbiodinium sp.) in each sample was also characterized using sequences of the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) rDNA and the noncoding region of the chloroplast psbA minicircle. From these analyses, three symbiotically distinct, reproductively isolated, nonhybridizing, evolutionarily divergent animal lineages were identified. Designated types 1, 2 and 3, these groupings were incongruent with traditional morphospecies classification. Type 1 was abundant and widespread throughout the TEP; type 2 was restricted to the Clipperton Atoll; and type 3 was found only in Panama and the Galapagos Islands. Each type harboured a different Symbiodinium'species lineage' in Clade C, and only type 1 associated with the 'stress-tolerant'Symbiodinium glynni (D1). The accurate delineation of species and implementation of a proper taxonomy may profoundly improve our assessment of Pocillopora's reproductive biology, biogeographic distributions, and resilience to climate warming, information that must be considered when planning for the conservation of reef corals.

Franz Schubert: Das fragmentarische Werk

The reception history of Schubert’s music has gained added piquancy through the various mysteries and intrigues surrounding famous works. The mythology surrounding the ‘Unfinished’ Symphony is especially rich in this regard: is it a deliberate torso, a complete two-movement work, or an incomplete four-movement work? In order meaningfully to tackle such questions it is necessary to develop a proper taxonomy of manuscript typology and a deeper understanding of the composer’s working methods. Andrea Lindmayer-Brandl’s book establishes the aesthetic coordinates, constructs a detailed classification of a wide array of different types of manuscript, and examines the substantial documentary record of Schubert’s compositions within this context. As a result we now have a much clearer image of Schubert’s musical conceptions and working processes. Schubert’s oeuvre offers an unusually fertile resource for the investigation of fragmentary pieces in all their multifarious possible forms. Of around 1,000 works approximately 200 are in some sense fragments. The specific situation with certain genres reveals structural patterns in the composer’s development and career. Of the three genres with the greatest number of fragmentary works, the symphony fragments (46.2%, especially D615, D708A, D729, and D759) mark stages along Schubert’s ‘way towards a grand symphony’ (Otto Erich Deutsch, Schubert: A Documentary Biography (London, 1946), 339), the early piano sonatas (45.6%) mark the composer’s period of experiment in sonata form, and the stage works (35%) record his efforts to become a successful opera composer. On a practical level, Lindmayr-Brandl’s systematic expansion of the basic compositional sequence from sketch (Entwurf)—first draft (erste Niederschrift)—fair copy (Reinschrift) to include more layers of sketching and drafting makes an immense contribution to the deeper understanding of Schubert’s working practice. Furthermore, her perceptive classification of different types of fragment—transmission fragment (Überlieferungsfragment), sketch fragment (Entwurfsfragment), fair copy fragment (Reinschriftfragment), composition fragment (Kompositionsfragment), and so forth—clarifies the stage at which work was interrupted and, where appropriate, suggests plausible reasons for Schubert’s abandoning the work. The recognition of a greater number of stages in the compositional process reveals the genesis of individual pieces and the evolution of Schubert’s creative personality in increased detail, both in general and within specific musical genres.

Supporting ontological analysis of taxonomic relationships

Taxonomies are an important part of conceptual modeling. They provide substantial structural information, and are typically the key elements in integration efforts, however there has been little guidance as to what makes a proper taxonomy. We have adopted several notions from the philosophical practice of formal ontology, and adapted them for use in information systems. These tools, identity, essence, unity, and dependence, provide a solid logical framework within which the properties that form a taxonomy can be analyzed. This analysis helps make intended meaning more explicit, improving human understanding and reducing the cost of integration.

Gricean Rational Reconstructions And The Semantics/Pragmatics Distinction

This paper discusses the proper taxonomy of thesemantics-pragmatics divide. Debates about taxonomyare not always pointless. In interesting casestaxonomic proposals involvetheoretical assumptions about thestudied field, which might be judged correct orincorrect. Here I want to contrast an approach to thesemantics-pragmatics dichotomy, motivated by a broadlyGricean perspective I take to be correct, with acontemporary version of an opposing ``Wittgensteinian''view. I will focus mostly on a well-known example: thetreatment of referential uses of descriptions anddescriptive uses of indexicals. The paper isstructured as follows. I will start by characterizingin the first section the version of the Griceanapproach I favor; in the second section, I willillustrate the differences between the two views byfocussing on the example, and in the third section I willobject to what I take to be the main Wittgensteinianconsideration.

The role of error in organizing behaviour

During recent years, the significance of the concept of human error has changed considerably. The reason for this has partly been an increasing interest of psychological research in the analysis of complex real-life phenomena, and partly the changes of modern work conditions caused by advanced information technology. Consequently, the topic of the present contribution is not a definition of the concept or a proper taxonomy. Instead, a review is given of two professional contexts for which the concept of error is important. Three cases of analysis of human-system interaction are reviewed: (1) traditional task analysis and human reliability estimation; (2) causal analysis of accidents after the fact; and, finally, (3) design of reliable work conditions in modern socio-technical systems. It is concluded that ‘;errors’ cannot be studied as a separate category of behaviour fragments; the object of study should be cognitive control of behaviour in complex environments.

Pour une Cartographie de l'Erosion

English summary The cartographical analysis of erosion is both an excellent tool for scientific discovery and a way of using that knowledge for a plan of environmental intervention. Numerous actions and debates (for instance a seminar in Oran, 1987) recently proved that. Erosion, even discrete, is a major geodynamic phenomenon as regards its effects on the relief and its implications for land utilization. Complex and multiform, erosion is defined by its physical process as well as by the types of landscape it creates. Maps can display a large amount of information on the relationship between man and its environment. According to their scale and their contents, maps appeal either to scientist or to general public, either to the conceptor of a project, or to the expert and the technicians responsible for its execution. With such a wide range of users, it is important to have a system based on scientific or technical criteria and proper taxonomy to select what information should be displayed. Also, cartography has to deal with technical realities of map production. In aiming to make a definite erosion map, it is difficult to envisage an expensive document at a large scale which will have a large circulation. It is necessary to adopt a method based on techniques of modern data processing (Cartographie Assistee par Ordinateur = CAO). If field investigations are still a chief source of information supported by remote sensing, the use of a geographical data bank, constantly supplied with new data, is now a necessity as regards efficiency. From this, it is possible to obtain classical cartographical output suitable for wide circulation as well as automatic specific output for a restricted circulation. It is important to produce on a regional, national or international (for example european) basis inventory maps of erosion, and to create the necessary associated geographical data banks. Discussions about the definition of erosion and cartographical methods for symbolizing it have to be pursued with the aid of everyone's experience on the territories that one knows. It is a matter of cardinal importance that geomorphologists of all countries are concerned with this project.