Designers initiating open innovation with multi-stakeholder through co-reflection sessions

This paper explores a designerly approach to open innovation initiation as start of the PhD research of the third author. More specifically, it presents the application of co-reflection sessions by designers in a healthcare open innovation project to initiate multi-stakeholder participation. Integrating co-reflection in open innovation initiation provides designers with the opportunity to a) negotiate with and function in multi-disciplinary environments consisting of stakeholder representatives and stakeholder customers (possible end-users); b) analyze complexity and structure of stakeholder ambitions, wishes, concerns and restrictions in order to frame a collaboration space; c) synthesize, visualize and materialize the value proposition to communicate the benefits to multi-stakeholder networks in order to define a design space and motivate their participation; and what is more important, keeping the balance between design thinking and design action. Lessons learned from this study a) can be used to provide a set of skills and practical guidance to designers when initiating open innovation b) define a spectrum for research on how designers can initiate innovation

Designers initiating open innovation with multi-stakeholder through co-reflection sessions

This paper explores a designerly approach to open innovation initiation as start of the PhD research of the third author. More specifically, it presents the application of co-reflection sessions by designers in a healthcare open innovation project to initiate multi-stakeholder participation. Integrating co-reflection in open innovation initiation provides designers with the opportunity to a) negotiate with and function in multi-disciplinary environments consisting of stakeholder representatives and stakeholder customers (possible end-users); b) analyze complexity and structure of stakeholder ambitions, wishes, concerns and restrictions in order to frame a collaboration space; c) synthesize, visualize and materialize the value proposition to communicate the benefits to multi-stakeholder networks in order to define a design space and motivate their participation; and what is more important, keeping the balance between design thinking and design action. Lessons learned from this study a) can be used to provide a set of skills and practical guidance to designers when initiating open innovation b) define a spectrum for research on how designers can initiate innovation

Characterisation of Agricultural and Agro-Industrial Residues as Raw Materials for Ethanol Production

Sugarcane bagasse, rice hulls, peanut shells, and cassava stalks are abundant lignocellulosic residues that could be considered as raw materials for ethanol production in tropical countries. The knowledge on the composition of lignocellulosic materials is important for their effective utilisation. In this work, a systematic comparison of the chemical composition of sugarcane bagasse, peanut shells and two sorts of rice hulls and cassava stalks, was performed using analytical acid hydrolysis and HPLC analysis. The highest carbohydrate fraction, w = 641 g kg/kg of the dry matter was detected in bagasse, which also contained the highest amount of xylan (w = 221 g /kg). Rice hulls obtained from an artisan mill had the highest glucan fraction, w = 4 97 g /kg, whereas peanut shells displayed the highest lignin fraction (w = 365 g /kg). The highest ethanol potential, around 163 L /t, was estimated for rice hulls and bagasse. However, the potential of bagasse would be higher than that of rice hulls if conversion of xylan fraction to ethanol would be considered

First Report of Soybean (Glycine max) Disease Caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Cuba

Soybean (Glycine max L.) has become one of the most widely consumed foods, however diseases caused by microorganisms can affect yields and seed quality. In March 2015, during routine survey in a soybean growing area in Pinar del Rio province, Cuba; disease symptoms were observed in some leaves. These included water-soaked necrotic spots with surrounded chlorotic halos, especially on the margins of the leaves. To identify the possible pathogens involved, leaves were disinfected with tap water, 70% ethanol and were rinsed with sterile distilled water. Small segments from diseased tissue were macerated in sterile 0.85% NaCl solution, decimal dilutions were performed and 20 µL aliquots were streaked onto King´s B medium (KB). After 24 hours of incubation at 28 oC, a fluorescent pseudomonad was isolated. Colonies were round, smooth and produced yellowish-green diffusible pigments on KB. Physiological and morphological characteristics were determined using standard microbiological techniques (Schaad et al., 200..

Parámetros reproductivos y distribución geográfica potencial de las áreas de anidación de Grus canadensis nesiotes (Aves, Gruidae) en Cuba: implicaciones para su conservación

Grus canadensis nesiotes (grulla cubana) es una subespecie endémica de Cuba que se encuentra en peligro de extinción. A pesar de estar directamente relacionada con los humedales, no existen estudios que contribuyan a su gestión y conservación. Por ello, se registraron parámetros reproductivos de la subespecie durante ocho temporadas reproductivas entre 2005 y 2015 en un humedal de Cuba; asimismo, se modeló y caracterizó la distribución geográfica potencial de las áreas de anidación, y se analizó su representación dentro de las áreas protegidas (AP). Para elaborar el modelo, se utilizaron el algoritmo de máxima entropía y variables de hábitat (100  m de tamaño de píxel). Para caracterizar la distribución potencial, se calculó la superficie ocupada por cada uso de suelo y tipo de vegetación dentro de dicha área de distribución. Se empleó el mismo procedimiento para calcular la superficie de la distribución que está protegida. Se localizaron 151  nidos en herbazales de ciénaga. Se trataba de plataformas simples sobre suelo húmedo o agua; los más grandes se observaron en 2006. El 70% de los nidos tuvieron dos huevos (1,7 huevos/nido) y el 63,5% fueron exitosos con 1,6 polluelos/nido exitoso. El hábitat potencial de anidación es estrecho (242 km2) y se localiza en el centro del humedal. De la distribución prevista, la superficie con alta probabilidad de presencia es del 13,8%. El 60% del herbazal de ciénaga de la zona del estudio estaba comprendido dentro de la distribución potencial, mientras que la proporción de cultivos (1,2%) y pastizales (2,1%) era baja. Las AP gestionadas solo protegen el 39,1% de la distribución potencial de los sitios de anidación y el 12% de las zonas con alta probabilidad. Se proponen tres sitios prioritarios para estudiar la anidación de la subespecie y hacer un seguimiento de la misma. Las medidas de conservación de la subespecie deberían considerar la distribución geográfica potencial de los sitios de anidación dentro y fuera de las AP.Grus canadensis nesiotes (grulla cubana) es una subespecie endémica de Cuba que se encuentra en peligro de extinción. A pesar de estar directamente relacionada con los humedales, no existen estudios que contribuyan a su gestión y conservación. Por ello, se registraron parámetros reproductivos de la subespecie durante ocho temporadas reproductivas entre 2005 y 2015 en un humedal de Cuba; asimismo, se modeló y caracterizó la distribución geográfica potencial de las áreas de anidación, y se analizó su representación dentro de las áreas protegidas (AP). Para elaborar el modelo, se utilizaron el algoritmo de máxima entropía y variables de hábitat (100  m de tamaño de píxel). Para caracterizar la distribución potencial, se calculó la superficie ocupada por cada uso de suelo y tipo de vegetación dentro de dicha área de distribución. Se empleó el mismo procedimiento para calcular la superficie de la distribución que está protegida. Se localizaron 151  nidos en herbazales de ciénaga. Se trataba de plataformas simples sobre suelo húmedo o agua; los más grandes se observaron en 2006. El 70% de los nidos tuvieron dos huevos (1,7 huevos/nido) y el 63,5% fueron exitosos con 1,6 polluelos/nido exitoso. El hábitat potencial de anidación es estrecho (242 km2) y se localiza en el centro del humedal. De la distribución prevista, la superficie con alta probabilidad de presencia es del 13,8%. El 60% del herbazal de ciénaga de la zona del estudio estaba comprendido dentro de la distribución potencial, mientras que la proporción de cultivos (1,2%) y pastizales (2,1%) era baja. Las AP gestionadas solo protegen el 39,1% de la distribución potencial de los sitios de anidación y el 12% de las zonas con alta probabilidad. Se proponen tres sitios prioritarios para estudiar la anidación de la subespecie y hacer un seguimiento de la misma. Las medidas de conservación de la subespecie deberían considerar la distribución geográfica potencial de los sitios de anidación dentro y fuera de las AP.Reproductive parameters and potential geographical distribution of nesting areas of Grus canadensis nesiotes (Aves, Gruidae) in Cuba: conservation implications Grus canadensis nesiotes (Cuban sandhill crane) is an endemic and endangered subspecies from Cuba. Protection of wetland habitats is essential for survival of this species, but studies that could contribute to its management and conservation are lacking. In this study we recorded the reproductive parameters of Grus canadensis nesiotes in eight breeding seasons between 2005 and 2015 in a wetland of Cuba. We modeled and characterized the potential geographical distribution of the nesting areas, analyzing its representation within protected areas. Maximum entropy algorithm and habitat variables were used for modeling (100 m of pixel size). To characterize the potential distribution we calculated each land–use–vegetation within the potential distribution. We used the same procedure to determine the extent of the protected area. A hundred and fifty–one nests were located in marsh grasslands. These nests were simple platforms built on wet soil/water; the largest nests were observed in 2006. Seventy percent of nests had two eggs (1.7 eggs/nest) and 63.5% were successful with 1.6 chicks per successful nest. The potential nesting habitat is a narrow stretch (242 km2) located in the center of the wetland. The area with high probability of presence makes up 13.8% of the predicted distribution. Sixty percent of marsh grassland of the study area was included in the potential distribution, while the proportion of crops (1.2%) and pastures (2.1%) was low. Managed protected areas cover only 39.1% of the potential distribution of the nesting sites and 12% of the high probability areas. We propose three priority sites to study and monitor nesting of the subspecies. Species conservation actions should consider the potential geographical distribution of nesting sites both inside and outside the protected areas

Differential chloride homeostasis in the spinal dorsal horn locally shapes synaptic metaplasticity and modality-specific sensitization

Inhibition in spinal nociceptive pathways is weaker and more labile in lamina I —where thermal input is primarily processed— than in lamina II that encodes predominantly high threshold mechanical input. This explains why noxious thermal input makes spinal circuits prone to catastrophic sensitization