RNA Interference – Natural Gene-Based Technology for Highly Specific Pest Control (HiSPeC)

RNAi technologies are more environmentally friendly, as the technology provides greater specificity in pest targeting, while reducing the potential negative effects on ecosystems and leaving beneficial insects and other organisms unharmed in crop ecosystems. Consequently, the increase in native fauna improves the efficacy of biological control agents against pests and pathogens. A growing understanding of the ubiquitous nature of RNAi, along with evidence for efficient, non-transgenic, topical applications has already begun to garner support among organic and industry producers. Designing solutions to agricultural problems based upon the same mechanisms used in nature provides newer, safer solutions to pests and pathogens for all agricultural industries

Erupted Complex Odontoma Mimicking a Mandibular Second Molar

Complex odontoma (CO) is considered one of the most common odontogenic lesions, composed by a miscellaneous of dental tissue such as enamel, dentin, pulp and sometimes cementum. They may interfere with the eruption of an associated tooth, being more prevalent in the posterior mandible. CO has been rarely reported as erupted, being considered an intraosseous lesion. This is a case report of a 17-year-old male with a benign fibro-osseous lesion consistent with CO that was located at the left second molar region, above the crown of the impacted mandibular second molar tooth. The lesion was surgically removed, and the tooth had to be extracted, since there was no indication that it could erupt naturally or with orthodontic traction. The histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of CO and after 6 months complete bone formation was observed radiographically. An early diagnosis will provide a better treatment option, avoiding tooth extraction or a more damaging surgery

Evaluation of the potential for greenhouse gas (CO2 , CH4 ) emissions in the southern São Paulo coastal region, Cananéia-Iguape system

The emissions of CH4 and CO2, the primary greenhouse gases, have a significant impact on radiative forcing.This study investigated these gases along the Cananéia-Iguape estuarine system on the southern coastof the State of São Paulo, Brazil, which is a mangrove region characterized by low anthropogenic impactand a sparse population. As such, this area provides an ideal location for identifying natural emissions andbackground concentrations. The data for this study were collected using a portable gas analyzer (LGRICOSTM GLA131), known for its high sensitivity and precision in detecting gases, mounted on a researchboat. The results obtained were promising for both gases. A small variability in CH4 concentrations wasobserved along the route, ranging from 1.84 ppm to 1.95 ppm, while CO2, showed greater variation invalues obtained during routes, ranging from approximately 411 ppm to 575 ppm. This study underscoresthe importance of investigating areas with minimal environmental impact. Together with future analyses, thisresearch should help improve Greenhouse Gas (GHG) inventories in Brazil by providing valuable baselinedata for comparisons with more impacted areas

Participatory Budgeting in the Municipality of Santo André, Brazil: The challenges in linking short-term action and long-term strategic planning

This report is addressed to professionals and urban practitioners who are interested in participatory planning processes and in the establishment of organised priority setting mechanisms and decision-making involving government and communities on the allocation of public investments. Those who work in the public sector or with public policies at the local government level will benefit from the findings of the research particularly if their interest lies on the establishment of government-community management of public funds. The findings of the research will be instrumental for NGO’s and CBO’s that are engaged in partnerships with local governments. The primary objective of the research is to analyse and describe the experience of the municipality of Santo André with participatory budgeting hereinafter called OP ( Orçamento Participativo) depicted from interviews and observations of key actors and stakeholders directly involved in the OP, and from the analysis of internal documents of the municipality. The research also makes a first attempt to unveil issues underlying the integration of the participatory budgeting (OP) as a short-term planning activity and the recently started strategic planning process hereinafter called CF (Cidade Futuro) as a long-term development planning process. The research makes use of participants’ observations and qualitative methods and intends not only to analyse and describe in detail the OP and CF in Santo André but also questions to what extent this peculiar participatory process can be replicated in other municipalities seeking direct citizen involvement in municipal affairs. The authors attempt to look at the lessons learned from these experiences in order to depict issues, processes and methodologies that can be replicated in Bolivian municipalities and particularly in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. The authors look at this possibility against the enactment of legislation (Law of Popular Participation, Law on Municipalities, Sustainable Municipal Development Plan-SMDP) that seems to have created a conducive environment for genuine civil participation in urban management in Bolivian local governments. The Spanish report pays a particular attention to this dimension