889 research outputs found
Cynolebias parnaibensis, a new seasonal killifish from the Caatinga, Parnaíba River basin, northeastern Brazil, with notes on sound producing courtship behavior (Cyprinodontiformes: Rivulidae)
No full textCosta, Wilson J. E. M., Alexandre, Telton P. A. Ramos Luisa C., Ramos, Robson T. C. (2010): Cynolebias parnaibensis, a new seasonal killifish from the Caatinga, Parnaíba River basin, northeastern Brazil, with notes on sound producing courtship behavior (Cyprinodontiformes: Rivulidae). Neotropical Ichthyology 8 (2): 283-288, DOI: 10.1590/S1679-62252010000200006, URL: http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1679-62252010000200006&lng=en&tlng=e
FIGURE 3 in New species of Achirus (Pleuronectiformes: Achiridae) from Northeastern Brazil
No full textFIGURE 3. Schematic drawing of: individual eyed-side lower-lip fimbriae of A. mucuri (individualized: a, b) and A. novoae (a set: c); blind-side posterior nostril A. mucuri (d, e); achirids' typical cirri (f) and fringes (g–i); blind-side lateral view of neurocranium of A. mucuri (j) and A. lineatus (k); blind-side lateral view of caudal skeleton of A. mucuri (l) and A. lineatus (m).Published as part of Ramos, Robson T. C., Ramos, Telton P. A. & Lopes, Paulo R. D., 2009, New species of Achirus (Pleuronectiformes: Achiridae) from Northeastern Brazil, pp. 55-62 in Zootaxa 2113 on page 60, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18792
Fig. 1 in Cynolebias parnaibensis, a new seasonal killifish from the Caatinga, Parnaíba River basin, northeastern Brazil, with notes on sound producing courtship behavior (Cyprinodontiformes: Rivulidae)
No full textFig. 1. Cynolebias parnaibensis, Jacobina do Piauí, Piauí, Brazil. (a) UFPB 6719, holotype, male, 54.5 mm SL. (b) UFPB 6709, paratype, female, 46.2 mm SL.Published as part of Costa, Wilson J. E. M., Alexandre, Telton P. A. Ramos Luisa C. & Ramos, Robson T. C., 2010, Cynolebias parnaibensis, a new seasonal killifish from the Caatinga, Parnaíba River basin, northeastern Brazil, with notes on sound producing courtship behavior (Cyprinodontiformes: Rivulidae), pp. 283-288 in Neotropical Ichthyology 8 (2) on page 285, DOI: 10.1590/S1679-62252010000200006, http://zenodo.org/record/542152
Achirus mucuri Ramos, Ramos & Lopes, 2009, n. sp.
No full textAchirus mucuri n. sp. Figs. 1, 2 a,c, and 3 a–b, d–e, j, l Holotype: UFPB 6101, 90.3 mm SL. Brazil, Bahia, Mucuri, estuary of the Mucuri River; approximate geographic coordinates: 18 º 05’ 15 ’’ S, 39 º 33 ’ 53 ’’ W, 20 August 2001, collected by Cláudio L. S. Sampaio and Frederico D. Fernandes with beach seine. Paratypes: From the Mucuri River estuary, Mucuri, Bahia state, Brazil: LIUEFS 4456 (1), 76.7 mm SL; LIUEFS 4457 (1), 78.9 mm SL; September, 1999, collected by F. D. Fernandes with beach seine. UFPB 6102, (2), 74.5 – 76.8 mm SL; collected with holotype. UFPB 6130 (3, 1 C & S, 2 alcohol; both alcohol-preserved specimens have connection between branchiostegal membrane and isthmus damaged), 70.2 – 79.6 mm SL; UFPB 6515 (1, C & S, partially disarticulated), 69.4 mm SL; Jun 2000, collected by F. D. Fernandes with beach seine. MZUSP 93253, (1) 73,0 mm SL; collected with holotype. MZUSP 93254 (1) 72.7 mm SL; September 1999, collected by F. D. Fernandes. USNM 389553 (1), 82,0 mm SL; collected with holotype. USNM 389554 (1), 75.1 SL (connection between branchiostegal membrane and isthmus damaged); 20 June 2000, collected by F. D. Fernandes with beach seine. From Porto Alegre (Mucuri and environs), Bahia state, Brazil: MCZ 11440 (1), 72.8 mm SL; 18 º 5 ’ S and 39 º 36 ’ W; 1866, collected by C. F. Hart & E. Copeland. Nontypes: From the Mucuri River estuary, Mucuri, Bahia state, Brazil: LIUEFS 4454, (1), 76.7 mm SL; September 1999, collected by C. L. S. Sampaio and F. D. Fernandes. LIUEFS 5076 (2), 70.7–72.9 mm SL; September 2000, collected by C. L. S. Sampaio and F. D. Fernandes. Diagnosis: Achirus mucuri n. sp. (Fig. 1) is distinguished from all its congeners, except A. novoae, by possessing a connection on both the blind and ocular sides between the branchiostegal membrane and the isthmus (Fig. 2 a), with the connection being slightly stronger on the blind side (vs. complete absence of connections between branchiostegal membranes and isthmus – Fig. 2 b). Additionally, the new species is distinguished from its congeners by having a light-brown body color, with regularly-scattered, minute, darkbrown blotches that are sometimes concentrated to form larger spots. Five specimens differed from the typical light-brown body color in having a brownish-gray background, and one specimen showed brownish-white body pigmentation. The new species differs from A. novoae by the presence of a large, ramified labial fimbriae (Fig. 3 a–b) (vs. simple, non-ramified, minute labial fimbriae in A. novoae, Fig. 3 c) and by the shape of the infraorbital canal (extending around ventral margin of fixed eye, Fig. 2 c) (vs. infraorbital canal that stops dorsal to fixed eye in A. novoae, Fig. 2 d). Description: Body ovate. Eye comparatively large, its diameter approximately twice the interorbital space. Eyed-side anterior nostril short, its length equal to its diameter, with a small notch on its anterior wall, and very short fimbriae on its margin. Blind-side posterior nostril with thin skin, wide opening, its diameter equal or nearly equal to greatest width of nostril tube (Fig. 3 d–e); two specimens (including holotype) with slightly narrower nostril opening than remaining specimens. Length of labial fimbriae not exceeding that of anterior nostril, and forming stalk supporting two to five ramifications of similar size (Fig. 3 a); some fimbriae with additional ramifications emerging from base of stalk (Fig. 3 b). One to five non-ramified fimbriae close to mouth corner, and one or two close to mandibular symphysis. Lower lip and its fimbriae cover upper lip when mouth closed. Cirri (Fig. 3 f) present on upper lip, and scattered on nasal area. Ventral margin of nasal area also with cirri, and with one or more small fringes (Fig. 3 g–h) on this margin, close to anterior end of nasal area. Branchiostegal membrane slightly connected to isthmus, very weakly on eyed-side of head. Supratemporal canal and epiphyseal branch of latero-sensory cephalic canal system conspicuous. Supratemporal canal arched posteriorly, extending dorsally (Fig. 2 c); epiphyseal branch extending anteriorly and dorsally, its proximal part close and parallel to migrated eye, its distal end almost reaching dorsal-fin base (Fig. 2 c); orientation of both canals can be slightly displaced dorsally or ventrally relative to position represented in Figure 2 c. Other canals with a typical pattern of other achirid species (except A. novoae for infraorbital canal), as stated and illustrated (Fig. 1) by Ramos (2003 b); holotype with uncommon external connection between distal end of infraorbital canal (at ventral margin of fixed eye) and ventral portion of preopercular canal. Dorsal-fin rays 48–57; anal-fin rays 38–42; eyed-side pectoral-fin rays 3–6, blind-side pectoral-fin rays absent; eyed-side pelvic-fin rays 5, blind-side pelvic-fin rays 4–5; caudal-fin rays 13–16. Total vertebrae 27: precaudal vertebrae 9, caudal vertebrae 18. Supracranial proximal radials 6. Longitudinal series of scales 57–62. Morphometric data shown in Table 1. Eyed side. All scales ctenoid, absent from nasal area, lips, margin of preopercle, margin of gill opening, and inter-radial membranes. Dorsal-, anal- and pelvic-fin rays with series of larger scales along their posterior margins. Larger scales preceded by two series of irregularly ordered, smaller scales that extend only on proximal half of each ray; posteriormost rays support only one or two incomplete series of scales. Dark brown cirri present on lateral surfaces of dorsal-, pelvic-, and anal-fin rays, and scattered on trunk, more evident on darkly-pigmented areas. Lateral-line on trunk with simple (non-ramified) tubes. Blind side. All scales ctenoid, absent from nasal area, lips, margin of preopercle, margin of gill opening, central region of opercular area, and inter-radial membranes. Fringes with a large, rounded basal flap (Fig. 3 i) and cirri in relatively small numbers, present only on head, more numerous on anterior margin of supracranial and infracranial areas, nasal area, and around mouth. Cirri rare or absent on trunk, except for regularly-spaced cirri along anterior third of lateral-line; cirri replaced by paired or unpaired small fringes on meddle and posterior third of lateral line. Fringes and cirri present on posterior margin of each dorsal-fin ray; more numerous on those in anterior one-third of fin. Fringes and cirri reduced in number posteriorly, and absent on posteriormost rays. Cirri present on all pelvic-fin rays, and on rays of anterior one-third of anal fin. Lateral line dermal tubes on trunk, when present, minute. Coloration: General body coloration usually light brown to light gray, occasionally (one specimen) brownish-white. Regularly-scattered, minute, dark-brown blotches present on head, trunk and fins and sometimes concentrated to form larger spots. Seven specimens (including holotype) with dark-brown irregular blotches on blind-side caudal-fin base. Vertical lines of chromatophores (achirine lines) faint, sometimes not visible. Coloration on fins more pronounced on rays than interradial membranes, but fins generally of a uniformly pale pigmentation similar to that of body. Distribution: Achirus mucuri n. sp is known only from the Mucuri River estuary, a small system situated between the Jequitinhonha and Doce rivers, south of Bahia state coast drainage, northeastern Brazil. Habitat: No data exist regarding its habitat preferences within the estuarine environment.Published as part of Ramos, Robson T. C., Ramos, Telton P. A. & Lopes, Paulo R. D., 2009, New species of Achirus (Pleuronectiformes: Achiridae) from Northeastern Brazil, pp. 55-62 in Zootaxa 2113 on pages 56-58, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18792
Rashkova, T. The Robson cubics for matrix algebras with involution (Acta Univ. Apulensis Math. Inform.).
No full textLet R be the free associative algebra over a field K on
generators and let be the free
associative -algebra in one further indeterminate Consider
the set of polynomials in which are satisfied by
the matrix Such polynomials are
called laws over of the matrix Robson in [Robson, J.
C. Polynomials satisfied by matrices. J. Algebra 55 (1978), no.
2, 509--520; MR523471 (80j:15012)] proved that such laws are a
``consequence" of a finite set of laws and for he exhibited
generators called Robson cubics.
Here the author considers the special case when is a
symmetric or skew-symmetric matrix under the transpose
or symplectic involution and gives an explicit form of the Robson
cubics. Some other results are also given in case $n=3.
Phenacorhamdia cabocla Rocha & Ramos & Ramos 2018
No full text<i>Phenacorhamdia cabocla</i> —new species <p>Figures 1, 2; Table 1</p> <p> <b> <i>Phenacorhamdia</i> sp</b> . Ramos <i>et al</i>. (2014): 8, Silva <i>et al</i>. (2015): 4 (species list).</p> <p> <b>Holotype</b>: UFPB 10943, 44 mm SL, Uruçuí-Vermelho River, Prata Village, Barreiras do Piauí, Piauí State, Brazil, 9°57'14.7''S, 45°34'15.2''W, 20 June 2014, S. Lima, T. Ramos, M. Silva, R. Paiva, L. Medeiros, L. Silva, M. Queiroz, and Y. Rocha.</p> <p> <b>Paratypes.</b> <i>Maranhão State, Brazil</i>: UFRN 2800, 2, 26.0– 30.9 mm SL, Parnaíba River, Alto Parnaíba Municipality, 09°06'58"S, 45°35'37"W, 23 June 2014, S. Lima, T. Ramos, M. Silva, R. Paiva, L. Medeiros, L.</p> <p> Silva, M. Queiroz, and Y. Rocha; UFRN 3083, 4, 28.3–37.5 mm SL, Parnaíba River, Alto Parnaíba Municipality, 09°06'54"S, 45°55'37 "W, 23 June 2014, S. Lima, T. Ramos, M. Silva, R. Paiva, L. Medeiros, L. Silva, M. Queiroz, and Y. Rocha; UFPB 10042, 1, 28.8 mm SL, Parnaíba River, Balsas River mouth, Benedito Leite Municipality, 07°14'09''S, 44°34'24''W, 0 1 April 2005, W. Severi <i>et al</i>. <i>Piauí State, Brazil</i>: UFRN 2768, 1, 30.9 mm SL, Corrente River, under bridge at road BR-135, Corrente Municipality, 10°25'30"S, 45°11'47"W, 19 June 2014, T. Ramos, L. Neto, M. Germano, L. Medeiros; UFRN 3837, 1, 28.8 mm SL, Gurgueia River, Corrente Municipality, 10°02'41"S, 45°19'33"W, 19 June 2014, S. Lima, T. Ramos, M. Silva, R. Paiva, L. Medeiros, L. Silva, M. Queiroz, and Y. Rocha; UFPB 10041, 8, 2 C&S, 25.3–59.2 mm SL, Volta tributary at margins of road PI-247/BR-324, Uruçuí Municipality, 07°24'16''S, 44°50'31''W, 31 March 2005, W. Severi <i>et al</i>.; NUP 16300, 8, 41.3–43.5 mm SL, Atalaia River, Parnaíba River basin, Santa Filomena Municipality, 09°04'30”S 45°55'35,5”W, 0 1 August 2013, GERPEL.</p> <p> <b>Diagnosis</b>. <i>Phenacorhamdia cabocla</i> differs from its congeners by having 44 total vertebrae (<i>versus</i> 39–40 in <i>P. nigrolineata</i>, <i>P. somnians</i> and <i>P. taphorni</i> and 45–55 in <i>P. hoehnei</i>, <i>P. provezanoi</i>, <i>P. tenuis</i> and <i>P. unifasciata</i>). It differs from <i>P. anisura</i> by having maxillary barbels reaching the pectoral-fin base (<i>versus</i> maxillary barbels reaching three-quarters of pectoral-fin) and the first dorsal-fin pterygiophore inserted posterior to vertebrae 12 (<i>versus</i> posterior to vertebrae 12–15); distinguished from <i>P. boliviana</i> by having the first ray of the dorsal-fin inserted posterior to vertebrae 12 (<i>versus</i> posterior to vertebrae 14) and the caudal fin with its lower lobe significantly longer than upper lobe (<i>versus</i> caudal lobes equal in length). <i>Phenacorhamdia cabocla</i> is separated from <i>P. macarenensis</i> by having the maxillary barbels reaching pectoral-fin base (<i>versus</i> maxillary barbels reaching pelvic-fin). <i>Phenacorhamdia cabocla</i> is differentiated from <i>P. tenebrosa</i> by shorter adipose fin 14.9–18.1% SL (<i>versus</i> 18.3–23.5%) and snout 30.0–35.9% SL (<i>versus</i> 37.5–41.0% SL), and by having nine pleural ribs (<i>versus</i> eight).</p> <p> <i>Phenacorhamdia cabocla</i> further differs from <i>P. hoehnei</i> by having the first ray of dorsal-fin inserted at vertebrae 13 (<i>versus</i> inserted at vertebrae 12), length of adipose-fin base 14.9–18.1% SL (<i>versus</i> 18.5–22.5%) and the upper lobe of the caudal fin with eight to nine branched rays (<i>versus</i> seven); from <i>P. nigrolineata</i> by having the caudal lobes lanceolate (<i>versus</i> rounded); from <i>P. provezanoi</i> by having the length of the adipose-fin base 14.9– 18.1% SL (<i>versus</i> 19.4 – 23.8% SL); from <i>P. somnians</i> by having nine pleural ribs (<i>versus</i> eight) and the caudal fin lobes lanceolate (<i>versus</i> rounded); from <i>P. taphorni</i> by having the caudal peduncle depth 5.7–7.5% (<i>versus</i> 7.9– 9.0%); from <i>P. tenuis</i> by having 12–13 anal-fin rays (<i>versus</i> 16); and from <i>P. unifasciata</i> by having eight to nine branched rays in the upper lobe of caudal fin (<i>versus</i> six).</p> <p> <b>Description.</b> Morphometric data available in Table 1. Single values for holotype. Body elongated, elliptical in transversal section, depressed anteriorly and gradually compressed from dorsal-fin base to caudal fin. Body concave dorsally between tip of snout and occipital region, straight and flat until origin of dorsal fin, slightly concave from anterior margin of dorsal-fin to tip posterior of dorsal-fin rays, and straight from this point to anterior margin of adipose fin. Body descending dorsally in caudal region, and straight and flat along caudal peduncle. Body slightly convex ventrally at head, straight and flat posteriorly until anal-fin base, straight and slightly convex from anal-fin base, and straight and flat along caudal peduncle. Smallest height of body at caudal peduncle. Head depressed, snout short and round anteriorly, jaw prognathous. Viliform teeth present in premaxillary and dentary arranged in a band of six to seven medial irregular rows, absent on palate. Maxillary barbel reaches base of first pectoral-fin ray. Outer and inner mental barbel bases aligned; distal end of outer barbel reaching gill opening; inner barbel length approximately 80% of outer barbel length. Eyes small, subcutaneous, dorsally located at approximately mid-length of head. Anterior nostril tubular; posterior nostril closer to eyes than to anterior nostril. Branchiostegal membranes free, supported by seven and eight rays (for two cleared and stained specimens), one ray associated to anterior ceratohyal, the remaining associated with posterior ceratohyal. Lateral line complete reaching end of caudal peduncle, extending to limit between first preural vertebrae and centrum in cleared and stained specimens.</p> <p>Precaudal vertebrae 15 (nine supporting pleural ribs and one without pleural ribs), caudal vertebrae 29, total vertebrae 44. Neural spines bifid from vertebra one to 13, including those of Weberian complex; bifid condition extends from base to its distal tip. Neural spines of vertebrae 14 and/or 15 reduced to a small spiniform process; neural spines absent between vertebrae 16 and 18; typical neural spines present from vertebrae 19. Dorsal-fin pterygiophores associated with vertebrae 13 to 18. Accessory processes directed dorsally with its origin from lateral base of neural arch of sixth vertebrae; laminar process tapering at its extremity (Figure 5). Accessory process of similar size until vertebra 13, increasing in size in vertebra 14 (second vertebrae associated with dorsalfin). These accessory processes are larger from vertebrae 15 to 18 (last vertebrae associated with dorsal-fin), converging progressively towards the proximal pterygiophores, forming pseudoneural spines, whereas neural spines are progressively reduced or absent until vertebra 18 (see discussion). Last proximal pterygiophore of dorsal-fin associated with vertebra 17 with its distal end above lateral process of vertebra 18, supporting last two rays and their corresponding distal radials (Figure 5). First hemal spine located on vertebrae 16; hemal spine of vertebra 26 associated with proximal end of first pterygiophore of anal-fin, extending to vertebrae 33. Bifid hemal spines located on vertebra 27 and/or 28 to 31 and/or 32 (one or two hemal spines not bifid associated with first and last pterygiophores).</p> <p>Dorsal and pectoral-fins with first rays flexible from distal halves; base of first rays slightly thicker and harder than of other rays; dorsal-fin origin at perpendicular to middle rays of pelvic-fin. Dorsal-fin with one simple ray and six branched rays; pectoral-fin with one simple ray and six branched rays; pelvic-fin with one simple ray and five branched rays; anal-fin with three procurrent rays, two unbranched and eight branched rays (total rays 13) (from 20 specimens analyzed). Adipose-fin base 20% longer than anal-fin base; anterior third of adipose-fin slightly higher, posterior lobe free. Caudal-fin widely forked, lobes lanceolate; upper caudal lobe with one simple and eight to nine branched rays (holotype with eight branched rays, 16 of 20 specimens with eight branched rays); lower caudal lobe markedly longer with one simple ray and eight to nine branched rays (holotype with nine branched rays, 16 of 20 specimens with nine branched rays).</p> <p> <b>Coloration in preserved specimens.</b> Body dark brown, light brown in few specimens (Figure 2). Ventrolateral region between pelvic and anal fins often lighter than rest of body on its lower half below lateral line. Some specimens with ventrolateral region of body much lighter in color than dorsolateral region; light regions of body mostly pale, yellowish. Chromatophores abundant, concentrated dorsolaterally (above lateral line), reduced ventrally. Chromatophores absent ventrally between paired fins and reduced in number throughout ventral axis of rest of trunk. Chromatophores denser anteriorly than posteriorly in the ventral region of head, sparsely distributed at laterals and scarce at the branchiostegal membrane and isthmus. Barbels light yellowish. Fins with hyaline interradial membrane, few chromatophores over rays when compared to rest of body, giving aspect of hyaline fins, except at bases where more chromatophores present; these darker areas form blotches at base of caudal fin.</p> <p> <b>Geographical distribution.</b> <i>Phenacorhamdia cabocla</i> occurs in the upper Parnaíba basin in the main course, Maranhão and Piauí States, and in the tributaries of the Gurgueia river and Uruçuí-Vermelho river, in the Piauí State (Figure 3).</p> <p> <b>Etymology</b>. The name <i>cabocla</i> is derived from the Tupi “kari'boca” meaning “person proceeding from the white people”, and refers to the descendants from the marriage between native South American and European colonizers. Curiously, with the displacement of the Native American people, the word gets an inverse but nondistinct meaning as “those proceeding from Native South American people”. In addition, it is used to refer to those living in the rustic countryside, without access to technology, a naïve, shy, rude, leery person. An adjective. This name is also a tribute to fisherman from Uruçui Municipality, Piauí State, known as "Caboclo Pescador". He contributed on several fish sampling surveys Parnaíba River basin, which resulted in the discovery of the species described here and others as well.</p> <p> <b>Ecological notes.</b> The holotype of <i>Phenacorhamdia cabocla</i> was collected on the riverbed of Uruçuí- Vermelho river, a tributary from the upper Parnaíba river basin. This river has a perennial regime and it is located in the Cerrado biome. The water coloration of the type locality is usually brown to reddish brown, which is a characteristic that was used in naming the river (“vermelho” in Portuguese means red). The sampling site has a median current and argillaceous-sandy substrate with rocky areas in some parts, and marginal vegetation that is mostly conserved with little anthropic activity. Holotype is syntopic with the following species: <i>Knodus victoriae</i> (Steindachner), <i>Astyanax lacustris</i> (Linnaeus), <i>Loricaria parnahybae</i> Steindachner, <i>Ancistrus damasceni</i> (Steindachner), <i>Pimelodus maculatus</i> Lacepède, <i>Pimelodus</i> sp., and <i>Hypostomus johnii</i> (Steindachner). Paratypes were caught in the main course of the Parnaíba river and Gurgueia tributary. These sites contained sandy substrates with clay associated to gravels and rocks, and marginal vegetation moderate in some parts associated with forest areas with few anthropic activities. Paratypes are sympatric with <i>Aspidoras raimundi</i> (Steindachner), <i>Bryconops melanurus</i> (Bloch), <i>Characidium</i> cf. <i>zebra</i> Eigenmann, <i>Crenicichla menezesi</i> Ploeg, <i>Compsura heterura</i> Eigenmann, <i>Geophagus parnaibae</i> Staeck & Schindler, <i>Hemigrammus</i> cf. <i>brevis</i> Ellis, <i>Hoplias malabaricus</i> (Bloch), <i>Hypostomus</i> sp., <i>Imparfinis</i> sp., <i>Loricaria parnahybae</i> Steindachner, and <i>Steindachnerina notonota</i> (Miranda Ribeiro).</p>Published as part of <i>Rocha, Yuri Gomes Ponce De Carvalho, Ramos, Telton Pedro Anselmo & Ramos, Robson Tamar Da Costa, 2018, Phenacorhamdia cabocla, a new heptapterid from the Parnaíba River basin, Northeastern Brazil (Siluriformes: Heptapteridae), pp. 353-362 in Zootaxa 4402 (2)</i> on pages 354-358, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4402.2.7, <a href="http://zenodo.org/record/1208993">http://zenodo.org/record/1208993</a>
English spelling in the seventeenth century : a study of the nature of standardisation as seen through the MS and printed versions of the Duke of Newcastle's 'A New Method ...'.
No full textIn 2 vols.Available from British Library Document Supply Centre-DSC:DX201006 / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreSIGLEGBUnited Kingdo
Six Pillars of Social Policy: The State of Pensions and Health Care in Canada
No full textWilliam B.P. Robson, a co-author with David Slater of a series of papers on pension issues, has written an ambitious survey of the state of Canadian economic policy in the areas of pensions and health care. He argues that it is appropriate to tackle both issues in the same paper because they are both major spending programs strongly related to the life cycle of Canadians, and face challenges arising from the aging of the population. Robson notes that the pension debate uses the metaphor of three pillars to describe a comprehensive pension system: a safety net to guard against destitution in old age; a mandatory employment-related system to provide basic replacement income; and a voluntary system supported by provisions that reduce the double-taxation of saving. The main elements of public policy related to pensions in Canada cover these pillars. He recognizes that all three of the pillars cannot be directly applied to health care, but he argues that the three-pillar metaphor is still a fruitful perspective because it facilitates constructive responses to the pressures confronting Canada’s health system and illuminates interactions between the pension and health systems. Hence his title “six pillars of social policy”. Based on his examination of Canada’s pension and health-care systems, Robson makes a number of recommendations. First, he advocates more prefunding in both the pension and health areas to cover the future cost of the aging baby-boom cohort. Second, he recommends a gradual increase in the normal age of eligibility for pension benefits. Third, he recommends the creation of a second pillar, a mandatory contribution scheme in the health area as a way to avoid the development of a means-tested system that would exacerbate the disincentives to work and save. Fourth, he puts forward the idea of a new type of saving vehicle that provides tax-relief on distributions rather than on contributions so that Canadians can avoid the high marginal effective tax rates associated with means-tested programs.Health, Health Care, Health-care, Healthcare, Canada, Pensions, CPP, Retirement, Mandatory Contribution, Aging, Ageing
The D1-triangulation in simplicial variable dimension algorithms for computing solutions of nonlinear equations
No full text
- …
