PhytCore ODB: A new tool to improve efficiency in the management and exchange of information on phytoliths

Online databases (ODB's) ensure access to comparative phytolith keys to facilitate phytolith identification in plants. But, can they be improved in a more efficient way? This paper presents PhytCore version 2.0 (www.phytcore.org), which has been adapted from a searchable database to a multi-user work tool. The ODB includes digital images, and related information, of phytoliths from modern plant material, modern soils, paleosoils and archaeological material. It includes as well quantitative data related to the percentage presence of phytolith morphotypes in each given sample and it is structured to manage phytolith data and the retrieving of information through one or various simultaneous queries. PhytCore 2.0 is a multiplatform with a responsive design interface that enables access through desktop computers, mobile and tablet devices. PhytCore 2.0 is also and interactive platform opened to discussions and to the participation of other research groups who would like to share their own data while keeping copyright. Our aim is to offer the fruits of this research worldwide to facilitate international data sharing and optimize the available resources. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.