THE NEW COMMONS IN AGRICULTURE: LESSONS FROM THE MARGINS AND SRI IN INDIA

N° ISBN - 978-2-7380-1284-5International audienceWith increasing evidence of the unfavourable ecological footprint of the industrialagricultural paradigm, ominous climate changes, and embarrassing social and economic crises in India manifested in farmer suicides over the last decade, there is an urgent need for India's agricultural research system to give more attention to sustainability as well as equity in innovation systems. This requires openness to acknowledging past failures and a willingness to reconfigure the research system's relations with non-research actors. This paper looks at possible lessons to guide this reconfiguration by examining the rapid and surprising spread of a novel sustainable innovation in India – the System of Rice Intensification (SRI). SRI shows how a less hierarchical and less linear architecture of innovation has enabled a new ‘knowledge commons' to emerge in Indian agriculture, contributing substantially to household-level food security, also enabling farmers to cope with vulnerabilities. Open innovation in SRI has enabled the creation of this new commons in an era when privatization of agricultural knowledge has gained sway. Rainfed areas that have been marginal to the Green Revolution are becoming more central to the establishment of sustainability regimes. This innovation has been enabled by the extensive use of the internet, based on new kinds of networking within civil society playing an important role ensuring collaboration among diverse actors from the farm to the national level. The paper highlights the importance of facilitating knowledge dialogues, learning alliances and innovation networks to enhance innovation capacities. ‘Open innovation' and the new ‘commons' have important policy implications for the future of innovation systems and sustainable development

Engaging scientists through institutional histories

An institutional history is a narrative that records key points about how institutional arrangements – new ways of working – evolve over time creating more effective ways to achieve goals. It can be used to document institutional innovations in projects and to highlight barriers to change. An institutional history draws out and synthesizes lessons for research organizations and partners as well as for others in similar circumstances

A double blind randomized study to assess the addition of clonidine to ropivacaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block

Background: The supraclavicular brachial plexus block provides anesthesia of the entire upper extremity in consistent and time-efficient manner. Ropivacaine is an amide, local anaesthetic agent, eliciting nerve block in brachial plexus. Clonidine as an adjuvant to ropivacaine enhances the quality and duration of analgesia when given epidurally or intrathecally. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of adding clonidine to ropivacaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block.Methods: Sixty patients were randomly divided into two groups, Group C and R. Group C received 0.5% of ropivacaine with 1 ml normal saline while Group R received same amount of ropivacaine with 1 ml (equivalent to 100μg) of clonidine for supraclavicular brachial plexus block. The groups were compared regarding quality of sensory and motor blockade, duration of post-operative analgesia, intra and post-operative hemodynamic changes and sedation scores.Results: There was a significant increase in duration of sensory and motor block and duration of analgesia in Group C as compared to Group R (P0.05).Conclusions: Clonidine 100µg added to 0.5% ropivacaine for supraclavicular brachial plexus block, does not shorten the onset of sensory and motor blockade but the combination produced prolonged sensory and motor blockade, improved and prolonged duration of analgesia, thereby decreasing the need for systemic analgesics without any hemodynamic changes

Prvo izvješće o jakoj crijevnoj kapilariozi uzrokovanoj oblićem Baruscapillaria obsignata u farmski uzgojenih biserki (Numida meleagris).

Capillarid worms are known to cause severe infection of the gastrointestinal tract and mortality, especially in Galliformes. In the present study, guinea fowl carcasses received from an organized poultry farm were investigated for the cause of death. The clinical history reported included reduced feed intake, diarrhea, lethargy and weakness in the flock. On necropsy examination, excess catarrhal exudate in the duodenal lumen (catarrhal enteritis), diphtheritic membrane formation, petichiae or ecchymotic haemorrhages on the mucosa of the duodenum were consistent findings. Mucosal scrapings and worms collected from dead birds examined microscopically revealed the presence of numerous thin adult worms, larvae, and barrel-shaped eggs with prominent bipolar plugs consistent with the morphology of Capillaria spp. Histopathologically, duodenal epithelial desquamation, mucosal thickening, blunting and clubbing of villi, goblet cell hyperactivity, and prominent thickening of the tunica muscularis were observed. Severe intestinal capillariosis resulted in reduced appetite, poor nutrient absorption, unthriftiness, diarrhea, and finally the death of the birds. This paper highlights the importance of regular screening and deworming in farmed guinea fowls. This appears to be the first report with regard to the intestinal form of capillariosis caused by Baruscapillaria obsignata in farmed helmeted guinea fowls.Poznato je da su oblići porodice Capillaridae uzročnici jakih invazija probavnog sustava i uginuća ptica, osobito reda Galliformes. Istraživanje se temelji na rezultatima postmortalnih pretraga biserki uginulih na farmi. Iz povijesti bolesti bilo je vidljivo da su ptice slabije uzimale hranu, imale su proljev, bile potištene i slabe. Razudbom uginulih ptica dokazan je obilni kataralni eksudat u lumenu dvanaesnika (kataralni enteritis), tvorba difteričnih membrana te petehijalna ili ekhimotična krvarenja na sluznici dvanaesnika. Mikroskopiranjem strugotina sluznice uginulih ptica uočeni su mnogi tanki oblići te jaja bačvasta oblika s izraženim bipolarnim čepovima što se podudaralo s izgledom jaja oblića roda Capillaria. Patohistološkom pretragom ustanovljena je deskvamacija epitela dvanaesnika, zadebljanje sluznice, zadebljanje crijevnih resica, hiperaktivnost vrčastih stanica te izraženo zadebljanje mišićnog sloja. Jaka kapilarioza imala je za posljedicu smanjeni tek, slabu apsorpciju hranjivih tvari, slab prirast, proljev i uginuće ptica. U radu se naglašava važnost redovitog pretraživanja i dehelmintizacije farmski uzgajanih biserki. Ovo je prvi nalaz objektivno dokazane crijevne kapilarioze uzrokovane oblićem Baruscapillaria obsignata u farmski uzgojenih biserki

STRATEGI INVESTASI TIONGKOK DI AFGHANISTAN DALAM BEKERJASAMA DENGAN TALIBAN

This thesis aims to examine the investment strategy of China in the Afghanistan region, particularly in the context of its relationship with the Taliban. In recent years, China has increased its investments in the Afghanistan region, particularly in the energy and infrastructure sectors. However, with the Taliban's involvement in the government, China's investment in the Afghanistan region has become more complex and challenging. This research utilizes a qualitative descriptive method by gathering data from various sources, such as literature, government documents, and media reports. The data analysis indicates that although China's investment in the Afghanistan region holds great potential, it also faces significant challenges. One of the main challenges is security issues, considering the political and security instability in Afghanistan. In the context of its relationship with the Taliban, China must consider the challenges and its own interests in investing in Afghanistan, while maintaining a balance between supporting stability in Afghanistan and safeguarding its national interests. This research provides insights into how China utilizes investment strategies and cooperation with the Taliban in its efforts to expand its influence in Afghanistan. The Economic, political and security implications of this strategy will also be further discussed

Prvo izvješće o jakoj crijevnoj kapilariozi uzrokovanoj oblićem Baruscapillaria obsignata u farmski uzgojenih biserki (Numida meleagris).

Capillarid worms are known to cause severe infection of the gastrointestinal tract and mortality, especially in Galliformes. In the present study, guinea fowl carcasses received from an organized poultry farm were investigated for the cause of death. The clinical history reported included reduced feed intake, diarrhea, lethargy and weakness in the flock. On necropsy examination, excess catarrhal exudate in the duodenal lumen (catarrhal enteritis), diphtheritic membrane formation, petichiae or ecchymotic haemorrhages on the mucosa of the duodenum were consistent findings. Mucosal scrapings and worms collected from dead birds examined microscopically revealed the presence of numerous thin adult worms, larvae, and barrel-shaped eggs with prominent bipolar plugs consistent with the morphology of Capillaria spp. Histopathologically, duodenal epithelial desquamation, mucosal thickening, blunting and clubbing of villi, goblet cell hyperactivity, and prominent thickening of the tunica muscularis were observed. Severe intestinal capillariosis resulted in reduced appetite, poor nutrient absorption, unthriftiness, diarrhea, and finally the death of the birds. This paper highlights the importance of regular screening and deworming in farmed guinea fowls. This appears to be the first report with regard to the intestinal form of capillariosis caused by Baruscapillaria obsignata in farmed helmeted guinea fowls.Poznato je da su oblići porodice Capillaridae uzročnici jakih invazija probavnog sustava i uginuća ptica, osobito reda Galliformes. Istraživanje se temelji na rezultatima postmortalnih pretraga biserki uginulih na farmi. Iz povijesti bolesti bilo je vidljivo da su ptice slabije uzimale hranu, imale su proljev, bile potištene i slabe. Razudbom uginulih ptica dokazan je obilni kataralni eksudat u lumenu dvanaesnika (kataralni enteritis), tvorba difteričnih membrana te petehijalna ili ekhimotična krvarenja na sluznici dvanaesnika. Mikroskopiranjem strugotina sluznice uginulih ptica uočeni su mnogi tanki oblići te jaja bačvasta oblika s izraženim bipolarnim čepovima što se podudaralo s izgledom jaja oblića roda Capillaria. Patohistološkom pretragom ustanovljena je deskvamacija epitela dvanaesnika, zadebljanje sluznice, zadebljanje crijevnih resica, hiperaktivnost vrčastih stanica te izraženo zadebljanje mišićnog sloja. Jaka kapilarioza imala je za posljedicu smanjeni tek, slabu apsorpciju hranjivih tvari, slab prirast, proljev i uginuće ptica. U radu se naglašava važnost redovitog pretraživanja i dehelmintizacije farmski uzgajanih biserki. Ovo je prvi nalaz objektivno dokazane crijevne kapilarioze uzrokovane oblićem Baruscapillaria obsignata u farmski uzgojenih biserki

Safety integrity under demanding conditions: A study on Permit-to-Work (PTW) systems in the Marine-Subsea sector

Master's thesis in Risk managementLast few years has seen evaluation of the oil and gas industry into innovative subsea solution and technological leap leading to the subsea factory. Taking this into perspective the marine subsea industry is one of the most developing sectors involving many stakeholders with a wide range of background to perform various operations. These operations bring together marine operators, ship owners, subsea asset owners/asset operators, subsea equipment manufacturers, various subcontractors, yards, etc., to work together under demanding conditions. Due to high-risk nature of oil & gas business, such operations constitute various critical features requiring specific measures to reduce unwanted events and risk exposure. The permit to work (PTW) system is such a critical measure, which is an integral part of a safe working structure that can help to manage the wide range of activities taking place simultaneously. Risk assessment and risk mitigation, which are core elements for the PTW system, are key contributors for safe execution of jobs. A comprehensive PTW system should not only determine how the work can be carried out safely but also should envisage human factors involved in operations. In addition to generic features that are relevant to normal PTW systems, there are specific needs to account for the nuances of the marine subsea industry. This is to increase the safety as well as efficiency of operations especially under demanding conditions in terms of time, cost, and safety. Years of experiences have begun to question if PTW systems should be applied to all activities since current practices have a considerable potential to lead to many confusions among stakeholders weakening the overall effectiveness. This would require a closer analysis of the current PTW systems and practices to ensure safety integrity as well as to establish an effective work interface between stakeholders. This thesis assesses the state of current PTW system in the marine subsea industry and present the lesson learnt from previous projects and suggest best practices and potential improvements for a seamless interface and expectations

Innovating at the margins: the System of Rice Intensification in India and transformative social innovation

I explore transformative social innovation in agriculture through a particular case of agroecological innovation, the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) in India. Insights from social innovation theory that emphasize the roles of social movements and the reengagement of vulnerable populations in societal transformation can help reinstate the missing "social" dimension in current discourses on innovation in India. India has a rich and vibrant tradition of social innovation wherein vulnerable communities have engaged in collective experimentation. This is often missed in official or formal accounts. Social innovations such as SRI can help recreate these possibilities for change from outside the mainstream due to newer opportunities that networks present in the twenty-first century. I show how local and international networks led by Civil Society Organizations have reinterpreted and reconstructed game-changing macrotrends in agriculture. This has enabled the articulation and translation of an alternative paradigm for sustainable transitions within agriculture from outside formal research channels. These social innovations, however, encounter stiff opposition from established actors in agricultural research systems. Newer heterogeneous networks, as witnessed in SRI, provide opportunities for researchers within hierarchical research systems to explore, experiment, and create newer norms of engagement with Civil Society Organizations and farmers. I emphasize valuing and embedding diversity of practices and institutions at an early stage to enable systems to be more resilient and adaptable in sustainable transitions