CEPIS/OPS - Red de Toxicología en Latinoamerica y el Caribe: Introducción

DEFINITION

RETOXLAC is:

A discussion list sponsored by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) and the Pan American Center for Sanitary Engineering and Environmental Sciences (CEPIS/PAHO).
A regional and international forum to debate and disseminate information on toxicology in spanish, portuguese and english. This forum is opened to all toxicologists and professionals interested in the subject.

DESCRIPTION

RETOXLAC list is available to all Spanish-speaking interested parties, whatever their nationality. Professionals from different areas (biology, biochemistry, chemistry, medicine, pharmacy, engineering, etc.) as well as other people interested in toxicology participate in it. Debates cover scientific topics, such as:

Queries on chemical substances, including health and environmental effects, physicochemical and toxicological properties, methods of diagnosis and treatment of intoxicated people, etc.
Announcements and reports of congresses, meetings, courses, assistance, scholarships, etc.
Search of experts and partners to develop projects related to Toxicology.
Queries and debates on techniques, protocols, methodological problems, etc.
News on legislation, regulation, and technological developments.
Comments on publications.
Directories.
Risk assessment.
Identification of bibliography, articles of scientific journals, websites of interest, etc.

SUBSCRIPTION (free of charge)

There are three ways to subscribe to the list:

By e-mail: sending a message to the list managers.
By e-mail: sending a technical command to the automated list software.
By the world-wide-web: completing the subscription form.

Click here to view the list of all RETOXLAC participants.

OPERATION

Each member sends his/her messages to the electronic mailing list: retoxlac@cepis.org.pe. The Administrator of the list reviews the message and sends it to all the members automatically. Any member can start debates on specific or general subjects. List members may then either answer or comment the messages. This virtual debate deals with toxicology-related subjects. To make this list efficient and appropriate, each member should be responsible for verifying the quality of the information exchanged and observe ‘Netiquette’ rules.

NETIQUETTE (network etiquette)

‘Netiquette’ refers to the general standards of correct use of the Internet. It is also available in English. The following are some of the Netiquette rules that the RETOXLAC list members should observe.

General rules for discussion:

Dissemination of information that is not related to the purposes of the list is totally forbidden. The RETOXLAC list is moderated, thus, all messages are reviewed before they are sent to the members. The list administrators may, at their discretion, cancel the subscription of any member if he/she has broken any of the basic rules of courtesy or netiquette.
The RETOXLAC list is not a promotional tool. Therefore, no marketing messages can be sent without prior approval of the list moderators.
Humor, sarcasm and any other type of language that may be sensitive to participating members should be carefully used during conversations. Demonstration of emotions plays an important role during discussions. Also, expression and presentation of ideas differ on an individual basis.
Each new participant should briefly introduce him/herself to the list members.
Each member should clearly identify him/herself (name, surname, academic degree, home country) when sending a message to the list. An automated signature at the end of the message is normally used.
The content and orthography should be observed to maintain the quality of this discussion list.
If you are not the originator of the ideas, comments, or any other material sent to the list, please indicate the source.
Use acronyms and abbreviations carefully. Please, explain their meaning when you use them for the first time.
Be careful when using symbols representing emotions. The most common and accepted symbols are:

:-) smile
:-( frown
;-) wink
:-0 surprise, etc.
For further technical aspects visit: http://www.rediris.es/mail/gt/mail-spoils/tr/estilo.es.html

A) Send messages to the RETOXLAC list

The prompt dissemination of interesting information is one of the basic rules for discussion in the Internet. Do not forget that readers can delete your message easily or quickly skip it to read another message. Therefore, the following instructions are suggested when sending a message:

Use descriptive titles. This will allow the RETOXLAC members to know what your message is about. As reader, you will be able to choose what message you are going to either read or delete without opening all of them.
Be brief in order to hold the reader’s attention. In other words, avoid writing long paragraphs or messages. This discussion forum is not intended to serve as a place to disseminate personal essays, thesis, or complete documents. If you want to share personal information, send a summary to the list (for example, the results of a scientific study) and offer the members the possibility of receiving the complete text.
Attachments are forbidden. Do not attach images or the like when sending a message to the RETOXLAC list. If you want to do so, send only a summary and offer the possibility of receiving the complete attachment individually.

B) Reply to the RETOXLAC list

When you want to reply to any message sent to the list:

Never change the subject of the message you are answering to so that it will be easy to follow the thread of the discussion. ‘RE’ (referring to ‘REPLY’) will usually appear in the headline of the message followed by the title of the original message. For example, if you are making a reply to the message ‘Health effects caused by parathion’, the subject of your message should show ‘RE: Health effects caused by parathion’.
Do not include the original message (i.e. the message you are answering to) because if all members include it before replying, the size of each answer following a message on a specific topic will grow exponentially. If necessary, repeat only those lines that are indispensable to put your message into context. For example, it is advisable to repeat the question to which you are answering.
The Network is technically managed by an automated program, which redistributes all messages sent to RETOXLAC list to all members. Thus, it will not be possible to maintain the logic sequence of the messages. For example, you can either receive several similar answers to one question, or an answer to a question that has already been answered. For this reason, you should read all messages related to a specific topic before answering. Simple questions are usually answered very quickly.
RETOXLAC is a public forum. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid one-to-one discussions, especially when the dialogue is of general interest. If your answer is personal, please send your message only to the person you want to communicate with.
In this type of lists it is polite to thank personally or publicly the people who answered to a question (when many answers are received).

ADVANTAGES

The RETOXLAC list works through e-mail. This requires relatively simple equipment (computer and modem). If we compare e-mail with the Internet and other media, like fax and telephone, e-mail is much cheaper since the connection times is limited to the inbox and outbox of messages. Phone line connection is not necessary to read, write, or print the messages.

Other advantages of the distribution lists:

Messages are directly received in the inbox. There is no need of looking for information, as it occurs with web applications.
Distribution lists, despite being public, always have one or several administrators or moderators who can take actions when situations that distort the forum arise.
Members of the distribution lists are always able to know who read their messages.
New servers of distribution lists optimize the size of the user’s mailbox with the options like INDEX, NOMAIL, DIGEST, etc.
Servers, like LISTSERV, implement tools that stop and prevent the massive distribution of messages sent to several lists. Such tools are based on the assumption that the content of some messages are considered “trash” and are, therefore, deleted.
Servers like LISTSERV implement algorithms to optimize international traffic.
Distribution lists are the most adequate tool for working groups, important decisions, debates, and issues that should be read on a regular basis.

FILES

If you are a new user, we suggest you to read the list’s files. These will help you in your search for information on toxicology: http://weblist.cepis.org.pe/scripts/wa.exe?LMGT1=retoxlac

TECHNICAL COMMANDS

Click here to see all commands.

General rules:

As in all electronic discussion lists, the RETOXLAC list has a server that guarantees the logic sequence of the communication between users and administrators. The server is a machine that only understands technical commands and it is not possible to dialogue with it (if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please contact one of our administrators). When you send a command to a RETOXLAC’s server (e-mail: LISTSERV@CEPIS.ORG.PE), it is important to remember three key rules:

You can write only specific commands, which are listed in this section.
Unless otherwise indicated, do not write anything in the subject of your message (this rule applies only when electronic commands are sent to the automated server (LISTSERV@CEPIS.ORG.PE).
Do not sign any command sent to the server (i.e. do not include your name, phone number, address, etc.) at the end of your message.

The RETOXLAC list has two (2) e-mail addresses: one is used to process all technical messages (LISTSERV@CEPIS.ORG.PE) and the other one ensures the sending of messages among users (retoxlac@cepis.org.pe).

Frequently asked questions

How are messages sent to the RETOXLAC list?

If you want to send a message to the RETOXLAC list, you can use the following e-mail address: retoxlac@cepis.org.pe. Alternatively, you can use our on-line form. The program LISTSERV 1.8d ® will distribute your message to all the list’s members.

How to subscribe to the RETOXLAC list?

If you want to subscribe to the RETOXLAC list, send a message to: LISTSERV@CEPIS.ORG.PE. Write SUBSCRIBE RETOXLAC and your name and surname in the message body.

Example:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: (your e-mail address)
To:LISTSERV@CEPIS.ORG.PE
Subject:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

SUBSCRIBE RETOXLAC NAME SURNAME

How can I unsubscribe from the RETOXLAC list?

If you want to unsubscribe from the RETOXLAC list, send a message to LISTSERV@CEPIS.ORG.PE. Write SIGNOFF RETOXLAC and your name and surname in the message body.

Example:

How can I request help from the RETOXLAC list server?

If you want to request help from the RETOXLAC list server, send a message to LISTSERV@CEPIS.ORG.PE with HELP in your message body.

Example:

How can I see or look for files of the RETOXLAC list?

If you want to look for files of the RETOXLAC list, visit our website. Alternatively, you can send the command INDEX RETOXLAC to LISTSERV@CEPIS.ORG.PE.

Example:

If you want to obtain a specific message through e-mail, the server offers you three search options:

1. If you want to look for files by date, send a message to LISTSERV@CEPIS.ORG.PE with the command GET RETOXLAC yymm, where yy refers to the year (always the last two numbers: 1999 = 99, 2000 = 00, etc.) and mm to the month (always two numbers: January = 01 October = 10, etc.).

Example:

2. If you want to look for a specific message, you do not need to select the whole monthly file, you can make a selective search by writing the SEARCH command and the words describing what you are looking for, separated with the word IN. For example, if you are looking for information on the environment:

Example:

3. Searches can also be made using phrases. For example, if you want to search for all messages sent to the RETOXLAC list that contain the phrase “clinical toxicology in Mexico”, send the following message:

Example:

4. Finally, if you need more information on the file options, send the GET LISTDB MEMO command to LISTSERV@CEPIS.ORG.PE:

Example:

ADMINISTRATORS OF THE LIST

Dr. Diego González: dgonzale@bra.ops-oms.org (PAHO/WHO-Brasil)
Eng. Marco Ramírez: mramirez@cepis.ops-oms.org (CEPIS/PAHO)

LEGAL NOTIFICATION

Neither PAHO (including the SDE Division and CEPIS) nor the participants in this list (nor its organizations) nor the RETOXLAC administrators are responsible for the veracity or content of the materials distributed through it. As a general rule, the views and information exchanged through this list are entirely those of the authors (and should not be attributed to the organizations or entities where they work). You should remember that this is an open forum where the information is of public domain and where the appropriation of ideas is not regulated and is done at the discretion of each participant. Furthermore, no official system verifies the information disseminated through the RETOXLAC list. This list is a forum and not an opportunity for a professional consultancy. In other words, information differs from knowledge. All suggestions or ideas provided through this forum are aimed at helping the members and should always be interpreted by a professional specialized in every area.

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Article 1.

This Statute regulates the rights and duties of the RETOXLAC subscribers.
The relationship of the subscribers with the discussion list will adjust to the ethical rules posted on the RETOXLAC website. Any amendment of these behavioral rules shall be communicated in a timely manner.
The participation in the RETOXLAC list involves the acceptance of those rules.

Article 2.

The list of rights established in this article is not restrictive to those guaranteed by democratic constitutions, or other similar constitutions based upon the premises of human dignity. RETOXLAC subscribers are entitled to:

Subscribe and unsubscribe, at their discretion, in compliance with the conditions applicable to the list.
Send and receive e-mail to and from the RETOXLAC list and freely disseminate any information, opinions, or ideas related to the list.
Respect for their personal and professional dignity on the part of the other RETOXLAC members and administrators of the list.
Have privacy on their personal data, i.e., such data can not be provided to third parties nor used for other purposes, unless so expressed by the person involved.
To receive information on the RETOXLAC technical and functioning rules, as well as any amendment on them.
To be under the protection of the list administrators if their rights are violated by other subscribers. Therefore, they should have the right to know the list administrators’ name and e-mail.
To be free of any reprimand, sanction, or withdrawal from the list, unless there is a reason that justifies it.

Article 3.

3.1. The RETOXLAC list subscribes shall:

Refrain from using the list for purposes different from it.
Respect the person, dignity, beliefs, and opinions of other members and list administrators.
Observe the rules applicable to the RETOXLAC list.
Respect and guarantee the privacy and personal data of other subscribers, refraining from facilitating data without expressed authorization of the incumbent or from using it for other purposes different from the list.
Refrain from sending any advertising, chain letters, or the like, through the discussion list.
Use the discussion list properly, refraining themselves from sending messages of personal interest, attachments, and, in general, avoid all those actions that may impair the good functioning of the RETOXLAC list.
Comply with the list administrator’s resolutions; which should be considered final.

3.2. The non-fulfillment of such duties could result in sanctions by the RETOXLAC list Administrators, in compliance with Article 4 included herein.

Article 4.

4.1. Non-fulfillment of one or more of the rules contained in Article 3 herein, will be immediately sanctioned by the Administrators in the following way:

Restrictions on contributions to the list; a detailed message will be sent to the personal e-mail address.

4.2. Reoccurrence of non-fulfillment will be sanctioned with:

Disqualification to send contributions to the list.
Temporary withdrawal from the mailing list.
Final withdrawal of the mailing list.

4.3. Only the RETOXLAC list administrators are enable to impose the above-mentioned sanctions, after a procedure that will give the alleged offender all possibilities of defense.

4.4. The severity of the sanctions will depend on the severity of the infractions and should be applied in accordance with the principle of minimum intervention.

Source: Statutes of RedIRIS list subscriber

CONCLUSION

The RETOXLAC list has been created at the beginning of a new millennium, where our past practices of health meet new future findings. The emerging world of electronic information and new telecommunication technologies are leading to never-ending possibilities of information exchange in different toxicology areas.

“The future in this field will be limited only by our imagination and our willingness to change” (Dr. George A.O. Alleyne, PAHO Director). Therefore, we request your active participation in the RETOXLAC list. This means that you should not only read the messages you receive but also send your comments to enrich discussions and exchange of ideas through this forum.

Finally, we hope that this electronic list will be useful for you and that your professional or institutional activities will be motivated by the access to this discussion forum.

Many thanks for your contribution to this effort.

Sincerely,

Marco Ramirez Ch.
Eng. Marco Ramírez
(CEPIS/PAHO)

Diego Gonzalez M.
Dr. Diego González
(PAHO/WHO-Brasil)