Concepts, policy elements, and regional strategies for the development of institutional innovation.

El objetivo general de esta prioridad es apoyar los esfuerzos de los países miembros para modernizar la agricultura y potenciar su contribución al desarrollo económico, social y ambiental, mediante la promoción de políticas y procesos de innovación tecnológica e institucional que promuevan y faciliten la incorporación de nuevos conocimientos y tecnologías en las cadenas agroproductivas. El trabajo establece bases para proponer un marco conceptual sobre innovaciones institucionales con recomendaciones para una agenda de cooperación para la reforma de la institucionalidad de la investigación agrícola nacional y regional. Con este propósito, se sintetiza un marco conceptual que hace una propuesta de las innovaciones institucionales necesarias para fortalecer los sistemas nacionales y regionales de ciencia, tecnología e innovación agropecuaria en la región.The general objective of this priority is to support the efforts of the member countries to modernze agriculture and enhance its contribution to economic, social and environmental development by promoting technological and institutional innovation policies and processes that will promote and facilitate the incorporation of new knowledge and technologies into agricultural production chains. The study provides the bases for developing a conceptual framework for institutional innovations, with recommendations for a cooperation agenda aimed at revamping the institutional architecture of national and regional agricultural research. To that end, the study outlines the institutional innovations needed to strengthen the national and regional systems of agricutural science, technology and innovation in the region

Geosciences and environmental education in the formation of community health agents

This article describes an Environmental Education course offered to the community health agents at Jardim Rosinha, in São Paulo, SP, which addressed issues related to solid waste, environment and collectivity. The interdisciplinary approach provided by Geosciences led to an integrated view of local realities and allowed the participants to recognize their own potencials, both individually and collectively. The approach used several teaching resources and strengthened participants’ sense of identity by engaging them in a search for a better life quality.O presente artigo descreve um curso de Educação Ambiental oferecido aos agentes comunitários de saúde, no Bairro Jardim Rosinha, região de Perus, São Paulo, SP, em que foram abordadas questões relacionadas aos resíduos sólidos, ambiente e cidadania. A proposta baseou-se nos conhecimentos geocientífi cos do local e numa abordagem interdisciplinar, com uso de diversos recursos didáticos. Os conhecimentos em Geociências proporcionaram o desenvolvimento de uma visão integrada da realidade local, levando os participantes a reconhecer os potenciais individuais e coletivos, integrando-os como indivíduos participativos e pertencentes, preparando-os para o pleno exercício da cidadania na busca da melhoria da qualidade de vida

Guía metodológica para el diagnóstico de sistemas nacionales de innovación agroalimentaria en América Latina y el Caribe

La guía apoya la realización de diagnósticos, favoreciendo el poder contar con diagnósticos sintéticos de la estructura y las principales característica de los SisNIAs, de manera que los países puedan apoyarse para la toma de decisiones sobre sus políticas de innovación.1. Glosario 2. Presentación 3. Conceptos base 4. Cuáles son las dimensiones analíticas de la Guía? 5. Los pasos metodológicos de la guía 6. Referencia

Prediction of the cloud point of polyethoxylated surfactants and their mixtures by the thermodynamic model of Flory-Huggins-Rupert

The cloud point curves of polyethoxylated surfactants are established experimentally. These experimental data are preliminary to the development of the cloud point extraction process, which appears as an interesting alternative to the usual solvent extraction unit operation. Starting from the thermodynamic model developed by Flory and Huggins for phase separation of polymer aqueous solutions, this paper aims at the prediction of cloud point curves. In this work, Rupert’s approach is extended to commercial nonionic surfactants, mixtures of homologous species, namely a few alkylphenol and alcohol ethoxylates. The limit of such an approach is clearly demonstrated, provided that a fitting parameter is finally required for a successful model application to pilot-plant manufactured surfactants, like C8ΦEn (n = 7.5, 10, 12), C9ΦEn (n = 8, 10, 12), C12E4, C12E6 and commercial Tergitol 15-S-7 (linear C12-C14 secondary alcohol with an average of 7 ethylene oxide units

Evaluación multidimensional de los impactos de la investigación agropecuaria : una propuesta metodológica

El presente trabajo se enmarca en el proceso de cooperación técnica del IICA al desarrollo de proyectos regionales de investigación agropecuaria, en particular para el caso del Fondo Regional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (FONTAGRO), el cual está orientado al desarrollo y aporte de marcos conceptuales para la evaluación de los diferentes tipos de impactos logrados o potenciales de los proyectos de investigación. También se da en el ámbito de la contribución financiera inicial del (BID) para la evaluación del impacto de los proyectos de la primera convocatoria del Fondo, por lo cual se expresa el agradecimiento al Banco

Anesthesia of Agoutis (Dasyprocta prymnolopha) with Dextroketamine and Midazolam

 Background: Research has increasingly focused on wild animals, and this requires the use of chemical restraints that are safe for both the species and the team involved. Dextroketamine is the levorotatory ketamine isomer that has been used on domestic species as an alternative that is more potent and safer than the racemic form. Midazolam is a benzodiazepine that induces muscle relaxation and minimal cardiorespiratory changes. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a combination of dextroketamine and midazolam can be safely used for the chemical restraint of agoutis (Dasyprocta prymnolopha), and the effects of this protocol on physiological and anesthetic parameters. Materials, Methods & Results: This study was carried out under conditions similar to those found for wild animals in captivity or in zoos. A pre-evaluation was also made to compare the baseline values of this study with those of other studies on the same species. Nine healthy adult agoutis were used, weighing between 1.5 kg and 2 kg. All the parameters were evaluated and recorded before the drugs were applied, and this was considered the baseline moment (M0). The dextroketamine and midazolam combination was then administered intramuscularly, in the same syringe, in dosages of 15 mg/kg and 0.5 mg/kg, respectively. Successive evaluations were made every 10 min over a period of 40 min (M10, M20, M30 and M40). The latency stage of anesthesia, effective stage and recovery stage were observed. Heart rate (HR) and breathing frequency (f), body temperature (BT), systolic blood pressure (SBP), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) and electrocardiogram were recorded. HR and SBP showed no significant difference between moments. Breathing frequency (f) showed a significant decline at M10 and M20 when compared to baseline values (P < 0.05). BT decreased from the moment the drugs were administered until the end of the experimental period, with a significant difference between M0 and M40, and M10 and M40 (P < 0.05). SpO2 decreased significantly at M10 and M20 when compared to baseline values (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in the duration and amplitude of the P wave or in the duration of the QRS complex, QT interval and amplitude of the R wave. Regarding the PR interval, there was a significant difference only at M40 when compared to baseline values (P < 0.05). No arrhythmia was observed. An evaluation of the effects of anesthesia indicated that the animals had an average latency stage of 2 min, an effective stage of 87 min, and an average recovery stage of 111 min. Adverse effects observed during the anesthetic recovery period consisted of tearing, salivation, tongue protrusion, vocalization and chewing reflex. Discussion: The results indicated that the association of anesthetic drugs under study caused minimal changes in the animals’ physiological parameters, except for the breathing frequency (f), which declined considerably, resulting in a reduction in SpO2, which was compensated during the study. In addition, there was a rapid onset of restraint and a satisfactory duration. Thus, from the cardiorespiratory standpoint, the combination of dextroketamine and midazolam in the doses used provides a safe anesthetic protocol for agoutis (Dasyprocta prymnolopha) and can be used for the chemical restraint of these animals for the performance of non-invasive and short-term procedures

Evaluación de los impactos potenciales de los proyectos regionales de investigación financiados por FONTAGRO: primera convocatoria

Posee un informe consolidado preliminar del 2005.El presente trabajo de evaluación es un esfuerzo que el Fondo, con el apoyo técnico del IICA, y con el financiamiento del BID, está realizando para cuantificar y difundir los impactos de los proyectos financiados, analizando adicionalmente su distribución entre países y diferentes actores, con el fin de impulsar una mayor participación en el Fondo

Medullary Conus Topography in White-Tufted-Ear-Marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)

Background: The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) belongs to the family Cebidae and Subfamily Callitrichinae, a group formed by the smallest anthropoid primates. It is a very common species and adapts easily to captivity, an aspect that encourages the clandestine capture of these animals and makes them susceptible to wounds resulting from clandestine rearing and inadequate management, so that studies to understand the species are extremely important.  With the objective of supplying anatomic bases for the practice of epidural anesthetic, data were studied regarding the topography of the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus).Materials, Methods &amp; Results: The study was carried out at the Laboratory of Veterinary Anatomy at the Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG), PA, Brazil. Ten adult common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) were used, 5 males and 5 females, with different causes of death. A round workbench magnifying lamp was used to better visualize the dissecation field.  Number 15 scalpel blades, surgical pincers and scissors were used to dissect.  After fixing in 10% formaldehyde aqueous solution, dissecation was made along the mid dorsal line, from the cranial thoracic region to the tail base to expose the vertebral arches and measure the intervertebral spaces.  The vertebral arches were removed, and consequently the spinal dura mater was exposed, that was sectioned longitudinally to expose the spinal chord and identify the lumbar intumescence, the conus medullaris and the cauda equina. The length of the conus medullaris was measured and its skeletopy was established. The body and tail length data were submitted to analysis of variance and the means were compared by the Tukey test at 5% probability. The mean value of the conus medullaris length was 1.4 cm, while the anatomic location of the conus medullaris varied slightly among the animals, but did not pass the limit between L3 for the base and L6 for the apex. On average, the lumbosacral space measured 3.03 mm, that is sufficient to introduce a needle similar to that used in syringes for insulin injection. The results of this study suggest the lumbarsacral space as location for epidural anesthetic application in Callithrix jacchus, at a safe point situated in the center of an isosceles triangle, the base of which is found when a line is drawn from one side of the pelvis to the other, and the apex corresponds the spinal process of the first sacral vertebra.Discussion: The anatomic location of the conus medullaris is different compared to two other primate species, the red handed tamarin (Saguinus midas), in which the cone base was registered at L4 and the apex at S2, and the common squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus) where the conus medullaris base occurs at L7-8 and the apex at S3 or Cc1. However, some similarities with other mammal groups were observed in the conus medullaris topography, such as the black-striped capuchin (Sapajus libidinosus). The mean conus medullaris length of the species Callithrix jacchus of 1.4 cm was close to that observed in the coypu, capuchin monkey and sloth, and significantly smaller than the means obtained for the red handed tamarin and common squirrel monkey and other non-primate mammals reported in the literature. The lumbosacral space is the location indicated for epidural anesthesia in Callithrix jacchus, that has also been indicated for other wild mammals such as the black-striped capuchin monkey (Sapajus libidinosus), the maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus), the tayra (Eira barbara), the giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis), the crab-eating racoon (Procyon cancrivorus) and the coypu (Myocastor coypus)

High-intensity interval training augments muscle carnosine in the absence of dietary beta-alanine intake

Purpose: Cross-sectional studies suggest that training can increase muscle carnosine (MCarn), although longitudinal studies have failed to confirm this. A lack of control for dietary β-alanine intake or muscle fibre type shifting may have hampered their conclusions. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on MCarn. Methods: Twenty vegetarian men were randomly assigned to a control (CON; n=10) or HIIT (n=10) group. HIIT was carried out on a cycle ergometer for 12 weeks, with progressive volume (6-12 series) and intensity (140-170% lactate threshold [LT]). MCarn was quantified in whole-muscle and individual fibres; expression of selected genes (CARNS, CNDP2, ABAT, TauT and PAT1) and muscle buffering capacity in vitro (βmin vitro) were also determined. Exercise tests were performed to evaluate total work done (TWD), VO2max, ventilatory thresholds (VT) and LT. Results: TWD, VT, LT, VO2max and βmin vitro were improved in the HIIT group (all P0.05). MCarn (in mmol·kg-1 dry muscle) increased in the HIIT (15.8±5.7 to 20.6±5.3; p=0.012) but not the CON group (14.3±5.3 to 15.0±4.9; p=0.99). In type I fibres, MCarn increased in the HIIT (from 14.4±5.9 to 16.8±7.6; p=0.047) but not the CON group (from 14.0±5.5 to 14.9±5.4; p=0.99). In type IIa fibres, MCarn increased in the HIIT group (from 18.8±6.1 to 20.5±6.4; p=0.067) but not the CON group (from 19.7±4.5 to 18.8±4.4; p=0.37). No changes in gene expression were shown. Conclusion: In the absence of any dietary intake of β-alanine, HIIT increased MCarn content. The contribution of increased MCarn to the total increase in βmin vitro appears to be small

Anatomic Bases for Brachial Plexus Block of Capuching (Sapajus libidinosus)

Background: In captivity, capuchin monkeys compete for space and rank. Fights can result in traumas, especially to the limbs, requiring interventions that are often outpatient. Local anesthesia as a tool in these procedures, as an aid to chemical restraint, is very relevant for small outpatient surgeries, or even for pain relief. Knowledge of peripheral nerve anatomy is essential to perform local anesthesia. Thus the objective of the present study was to determine, by anatomical studies of the brachial plexus region, the best access pathways for anesthetic blocking of the nerve.Materials, Methods &amp; Results: Seven adult capuchin monkeys (Sapajus libidinosus) were used, weighing 2-3 kg, fixed and preserved in formaldehyde aqueous solution at 10%. In five of these animals the supraclavicular, infraclavicular and axillar regions were dissected to visualize the muscles, clavicle and bracchial plexus nerves. An analogical pachymeter was used to measure the depth of the plexus in relation to the cranial and caudal clavicle face and axillary fossa, comparing the length of two hypodermic needles (13x4.5 mm and 15x5 mm). Simulation of the anesthetic block was tested in two animals: before dissecting an acrylic varnish solution was injected using a syringe and 13x4.5 mm needle in the supraclavicular, infraclavicular regions and axillary fossa. To assess the positioning points of the syringe, dissection was performed and the varnish perfusion in the plexus was observed. For the anesthetic block in the supraclavicular region the dorsal median of the clavicle with a 95º deltoclavicular angle with the needle perpendicular to the skin was taken as point of reference. In the infraclavicular the reference point was the caudal face of the median clavicle with an 80º deltoclavicular angle. In the axillar region, with the limb at 90º, the syringe was positioned perpendicular to the axillar at the height of the mid portion of the thorax. The mean and standard deviation of the skin-brachial plexus distance for the supraclavicular, infraclavicular and axillar techniques were, respectively, 1.76 ± 0.1387 cm, 1.12 ± 0.239 cm and 1.59 ± 0.365 cm. These data showed the viability of executing the anesthesia technique by three access pathways. However, in the supraclavicular access pathway in the anesthetic simulation with the 13x4.5 mm hypodermic needle, the stain diffused to the plexus, showing, when compared with the 1.76 cm mean skin- plexus distance a safe distance to prevent the needle from perforating the nerve.Discussion: The techniques reported in the human literature for brachial plexus block presented a series of complications, with incomplete blocks and hemorrhages when the axillar access pathway was used and presented risk of pneumothorax in the supraclavicular. In the capuchin monkey the supraclavicular access pathway in anesthetic simulation with 13x4.5mm hypodermic needle showed a safe distance for the needle not to perforate the nerve, so that the use of this needle could be indicated in 2-3 kg animals. However, hypodermic needles are not recommended for use in this area because of the risk of perforating the subclavicular artery close to the plexus. As an alternative some anesthesiologists use the infraclavicular access pathway with atraumatic needles recommended for brachial plexus block, with relative success and fewer complications. Although the supraclavicular region showed the best depth in relation to the technique used here, anesthetic tests should be made to confirm the efficaciousness of executing the brachial plexus anesthetic technique in capuchin monkeys using atraumatic needles for nerve block