"Archive" - what is it, definition of the term
An archive is a systematically organized repository of documents, records, or other data preserved for long‑term reference and research; it is maintained under controlled conditions to ensure authenticity, integrity, and ongoing accessibility.
Detailed information
The repository dedicated to arthropod vectors consolidates scientific papers, specimen photographs, genetic sequences, and control‑strategy documents. Materials are grouped by taxonomic rank—order, family, genus, species—allowing rapid isolation of data on ticks, true bugs, lice and fleas. Each entry includes a standardized citation, abstract, and metadata such as collection date, geographic coordinates, host organism and preservation method.
Metadata fields follow international standards (e.g., Darwin Core) to ensure interoperability with biodiversity networks. Digital assets are stored in formats that support long‑term readability: PDF/A for documents, TIFF for high‑resolution images, FASTA for nucleotide data. Physical specimens reside in climate‑controlled cabinets with regulated temperature (18 °C ± 2) and humidity (45 % ± 5), preventing degradation of exoskeletons and DNA.
Retrieval mechanisms comprise keyword search, Boolean operators and faceted browsing. Users can filter results by vector species, pathogen association, pesticide resistance status or sampling technique. An API provides programmatic access, enabling integration with epidemiological models and geographic information systems.
Preservation policies mandate regular integrity checks: checksum verification for files, periodic migration to newer storage media, and condition assessments of physical items. Redundant copies are maintained on off‑site servers and in a separate archival vault, guaranteeing data continuity in case of system failure.
The collection supports multidisciplinary research, including taxonomy, public‑health surveillance, and pesticide development. By centralizing historically scattered records, it reduces duplication of effort, accelerates literature reviews, and enhances the accuracy of risk assessments for diseases transmitted by ticks, bugs, lice and fleas.