Strengthening clinical cancer research in the United Kingdom

BACKGROUND: In 1999, 270 000 cases of cancer were registered in the United Kingdom, placing a large burden on the NHS. Cancer outcome data in 1999 suggested that UK survival rates were poorer than most other European countries. In the same year, a Department of Health review noted that clinical trials accrual was poor (<3.5% of incident cases) and hypothesised that increasing research activity might improve outcomes and reduce the variability of outcomes across England. Thus, the National Cancer Research Network (NCRN) was established to increase participation in cancer clinical research.METHODS: The NCRN was established in 2001 to provide a robust infrastructure for cancer clinical research and improvements in patient care. Remit of NCRN is to coordinate, support and deliver cancer clinical research through the provision of research support staff across England. The NCRN works closely with similar networks in Scotland, Wales and the Northern Ireland. A key aim of NCRN is to improve the speed of research and this was also assessed by comparing the speed of study delivery of a subset of cancer studies opening before and after NCRN was established.RESULTS: Patient recruitment increased through NCRN, with almost 32 000 (12% of annual incident cases) cancer patients being recruited each year. Study delivery has improved, with more studies meeting the recruitment target - 74% compared with 39% before NCRN was established.CONCLUSION: The coordinated approach to cancer clinical research has demonstrated increased accrual, wide participation and successful trial delivery, which should lead to improved outcomes and care. British Journal of Cancer (2011) 104, 1529-1534. doi: 10.1038/bjc.2011.69 www.bjcancer.com Published online 1 March 2011 (C) 2011 Cancer Research U

Greenhouse gas emission associated with sugar production in southern Brazil

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Since sugarcane areas have increased rapidly in Brazil, the contribution of the sugarcane production, and, especially, of the sugarcane harvest system to the greenhouse gas emissions of the country is an issue of national concern. Here we analyze some data characterizing various activities of two sugarcane mills during the harvest period of 2006-2007 and quantify the carbon footprint of sugar production.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>According to our calculations, 241 kg of carbon dioxide equivalent were released to the atmosphere per a ton of sugar produced (2406 kg of carbon dioxide equivalent per a hectare of the cropped area, and 26.5 kg of carbon dioxide equivalent per a ton of sugarcane processed). The major part of the total emission (44%) resulted from residues burning; about 20% resulted from the use of synthetic fertilizers, and about 18% from fossil fuel combustion.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The results of this study suggest that the most important reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from sugarcane areas could be achieved by switching to a green harvest system, that is, to harvesting without burning.</p

Innovation in Entrepreneurship Education: Developing Competitive Advantages for MBA Students

For the last decade entrepreneurship education has grown to become a major discipline in several universities and colleges, particularly in the United States, Europe, and other developed nations. Nevertheless, comprehensive entrepreneurship programs are starting to be implemented in higher-education institutions across emergent economies as well. Everywhere around the world, entrepreneurship students need to gain skills and knowledge that can help them get started and have better opportunities to succeed with their ventures. At CETYS Universidad, a private non-for-profit school in Mexico, an Entrepreneurship Concentration MBA program was designed and developed around the Entrepreneurial Life Cycle and Entrepreneurship Process frameworks. The program is intended to build entrepreneurship competencies in MBA students, nurture an innovative mindset, and help them increase their entrepreneurial self-confidence and capabilities. It is the first program of its kind to be offered in the northwest region of the country, and one of the few in Mexico. RESUMEN Durante la última década, la educación empresarial ha crecido hasta convertirse en una disciplina importante en varias universidades y colegios, particularmente en los Estados Unidos, Europa y otras naciones desarrolladas. Sin embargo, los programas integrales de emprendimiento también están comenzando a implementarse en instituciones de educación superior en economías emergentes. En todo el mundo, los estudiantes de emprendimiento necesitan adquirir habilidades y conocimientos que puedan ayudarlos a comenzar y tener mejores oportunidades para tener éxito con sus empresas. En CETYS Universidad, una escuela privada sin fines de lucro en México, se diseñó y desarrolló un programa de MBA de Concentración en Emprendimiento en torno a los marcos de Ciclo de Vida Emprendedor y Proceso de Emprendimiento. El programa está destinado a desarrollar competencias empresariales en los estudiantes de MBA, fomentar una mentalidad innovadora y ayudarlos a aumentar su confianza en sí mismos y sus capacidades empresariales. Es el primer programa de este tipo que se ofrece en la región noroeste del país y uno de los pocos en México.First editio