Current Rates Of Production Research Articles

In vitro production of ICSI derived horse blastocysts

In vitro production of horse embryos via intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a useful clinical and research technique. However, current rates of blastocyst production are still sub-optimal. Here, we compared results from our commercial ICSI program to evaluate whether slight modifications in protocols can result in improved blastocyst rates. Firstly, we evaluated the time cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) can be maintained in holding medium before starting in vitro maturation (IVM) (Group A: 4-10 hours and Group B: overnight). Secondly, we evaluated the effects of using a microfluidic device (Zymöt) for the preparation of sperm samples for ICSI (Group C). This device comprises a microporous membrane that allows to select spermatozoa in base of their motility, avoiding samples centrifugation. This could eventually reduce DNA fragmentation and oxidative stress, which have been associated with conventional sperm preparation protocols. Frozen-thawed cut straws with semen from different stallions were used and prepared either with a gradient and swim-up protocol or with the Zymöt microfluidic device. COCs were recovered from immature follicles using transvaginal ultrasound-guided follicle aspiration (TVA) procedures. After collection, COCs were transferred to holding medium for 4 to 10 hours or maintained in holding medium overnight at room temperature (22–24°C) before starting IVM. In vitro maturation was performed in T-199 Earle's medium supplemented with 5 mU/ml FSH, 50 ng/ml EGF and 10% FBS. After IVM, oocytes were denuded from cumulus and those showing a polar body were subjected to piezo-ICSI (PiezoXpert, Eppendorf). Spermatozoa were first immobilized with strong piezo pulses and then injected individually in the matured oocytes after penetrating the zona pellucida and oolemma with low intensity pulses.The injected oocytes were then cultured in a mix of KSOM-DMEM/F12 medium supplemented with 6% FBS, which was refreshed on Day 5 of development. Embryo culture was performed in humidified benchtop incubators at 6.5% CO2 and 5%O2 at 38.2°C. A Chi-square test was used to compare results.

Future Swiss Energy Economy: The Challenge of Storing Renewable Energy

Fossil fuels and materials on Earth are a finite resource and the disposal of waste into the air, on land, and into water has an impact on our environment on a global level. Using Switzerland as an example, the energy demand and the technical challenges, and the economic feasibility of a transition to an energy economy based entirely on renewable energy were analyzed. Three approaches for the complete substitution of fossil fuels with renewable energy from photovoltaics called energy systems (ES) were considered, i.e., a purely electric system with battery storage (ELC), hydrogen (HYS), and synthetic hydrocarbons (HCR). ELC is the most energy efficient solution; however, it requires seasonal electricity storage to meet year-round energy needs. Meeting this need through batteries has a significant capital cost and is not feasible at current rates of battery production, and expanding pumped hydropower to the extent necessary will have a big impact on the environment. The HYS allows underground hydrogen storage to balance seasonal demand, but requires building of a hydrogen infrastructure and applications working with hydrogen. Finally, the HCR requires the largest photovoltaic (PV) field, but the infrastructure and the applications already exist. The model for Switzerland can be applied to other countries, adapting the solar irradiation, the energy demand and the storage options.

Application of Atmospheric Solids Analysis Probe Mass Spectrometry for the Taxonomic Analysis of Pollen

Globally, both managed and wild pollination services are unable to meet current rates of crop production and pollination demand. Wild pollination services could be improved through the reforestation of agricultural land margins, however plant–pollinator networks remain poorly understood and the collection of key floral traits a complex process. Herein, we consider the merits of pollen as a floral trait and the application of a rapid pollen comparison method in assessing whether pollen traits are conserved at a taxonomic level. Reporting the previously unstudied, pollen fingerprints of 18 Australian plant species, these are compared against the seed crop Daucus carota L. and two naturalised Brassica hybrids. Applying atmospheric solids analysis probe mass spectrometry (ASAP-MS) for rapid pollen fingerprinting, pollens are compared through non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS), Jaccard index correlation and hierarchical clustering. Demonstrating the merits of this analytical method for the grouping of potential revegetation flora, we identify key pollen similarities and differences that could correlate with wild pollinator preferences.

Culture protocols for horse embryos after ICSI: Effect of myo-inositol and time of media change

In vitro production of horse embryos via intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a useful clinical and research technique. Current rates of blastocyst production are typically sub-optimal, and few methods to increase the rate of equine blastocyst development have been reported. Factors that might improve blastocyst production in a horse embryo culture system were explored. Myo-inositol is found in the horse oviduct and improves blastocyst development in other species, thus Experiment 1 was conducted to assess the effect of 10 mM myo-inositol added to Day 0−5 embryo culture medium, using horse oocytes recovered by transvaginal aspiration. Experiment 2 was conducted to investigate effects of exclusion of a standard post-ICSI holding step (culture for 30−60 min in M199-based medium). Experiment 3 was conducted using oocytes recovered from abattoir-derived ovaries, to evaluate effects of earlier transition (Day 4 vs. Day 5) to the second-step medium and of media refreshment at different time points (Day 3 and/or Day 7) during embryo culture. In Experiments 1 and 2, there were no differences (P > 0.05) between groups in blastocyst development (Exp. 1, 36.7 % and 39.2 %; Exp. 2, 41.5 % and 44.6 %). In Experiment 3, blastocyst development was not different (P > 0.05) for embryos refreshed at both Day 3 and 7 (10.8 %) or only at Day 7 (26.6 %), or those transferred to second-step medium on Day 4 or Day 5 (20.6 % and 18.5 %). Knowledge of culture procedures compatible with blastocyst formation in vitro is valuable to laboratories starting to develop procedures for ICSI in horses.

Genomic Selection: Towards Meeting Challenge of Food Security

Breeding is a powerful science and remains a core component of most agriculture production. Although traditional selection has proven to be a successful approach for improving animal and plant production in the last decades, several studies have reported a worrying shortage between the current rates of production and expected global future demands for food. These challenges, coupled with a constant loss of suitable land for agricultural production, needs to implement new breeding strategies to significantly increase the genetic gain and meet the future requirements. Recent advances in genotyping capacity with affordable costs have allowed selection based on genomic information. These technologies would reshape the breeding programs, accelerate the genetic gain and maximize the productivity per unit. Although this concept was suggested many decades ago, the applications of marker-assisted selection were limited due to the low number of genotyped markers and low number of identified QTL. In contrast, genomic selection (GS) utilizes the dense genetic markers across the whole genome to predict the effect of all QTL that are assumed to be in linkage disequilibrium with at least one genetic marker. Nowadays, GS is widely implemented in several species for breeding purposes and attracted attention for human disease risk predictions. It has been proven for many traits to double the rate of the genetic gain and reduce the generation interval, which would efficiently contribute to more food security. Here, we introduce the general concept of GS, and briefly describe the GS models along with the recent progress in some farm animal species.

A Systematic Review of Durum Wheat: Enhancing Production Systems by Exploring Genotype, Environment, and Management (G × E × M) Synergies.

According to the UN-FAO, agricultural production must increase by 50% by 2050 to meet global demand for food. This goal can be accomplished, in part, by the development of improved cultivars coupled with modern best management practices. Overall, wheat production on farms will have to increase significantly to meet future demand, and in the face of a changing climate that poses risk to even current rates of production. Durum wheat [Triticum turgidum L. ssp. durum (Desf.)] is used largely for pasta, couscous and bulgur production. Durum producers face a range of factors spanning abiotic (frost damage, drought, and sprouting) and biotic (weed, disease, and insect pests) stresses that impact yields and quality specifications desired by export market end-users. Serious biotic threats include Fusarium head blight (FHB) and weed pest pressures, which have increased as a result of herbicide resistance. While genetic progress for yield and quality is on pace with common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), development of resistant durum cultivars to FHB is still lagging. Thus, successful biotic and abiotic threat mitigation are ideal case studies in Genotype (G) × Environment (E) × Management (M) interactions where superior cultivars (G) are grown in at-risk regions (E) and require unique approaches to management (M) for sustainable durum production. Transformational approaches to research are needed in order for agronomists, breeders and durum producers to overcome production constraints. Designing robust agronomic systems for durum demands scientific creativity and foresight based on a deep understanding of constitutive components and their innumerable interactions with each other and the environment. This encompasses development of durum production systems that suit specific agro-ecozones and close the yield gap between genetic potential and on-farm achieved yield. Advances in individual technologies (e.g., genetic improvements, new pesticides, seeding technologies) are of little benefit until they are melded into resilient G × E × M systems that will flourish in the field under unpredictable conditions of prairie farmlands. We explore how recent genetic progress and selected management innovations can lead to a resilient and transformative durum production system.

Factors affecting in vitro blastocyst production after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)

In vitro production of horse embryos via intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a useful clinical and research technique. Current rates of blastocyst production are typically sub-optimal, and few methods to increase the rate of equine blastocyst development have been reported. Factors that might improve blastocyst production in a horse embryo culture system were explored. Myo-inositol is found in the horse oviduct and improves blastocyst development in other species, thus Experiment 1 was conducted to assess the effect of 10 mM myo-inositol added to Day 0−5 embryo culture medium, using horse oocytes recovered by transvaginal aspiration. Experiment 2 was conducted to investigate effects of exclusion of a standard post-ICSI holding step (culture for 30−60 min in M199-based medium). Experiment 3 was conducted using oocytes recovered from abattoir-derived ovaries, to evaluate effects of earlier transition (Day 4 vs. Day 5) to the second-step medium and of media refreshment at different time points (Day 3 and/or Day 7) during embryo culture. In Experiments 1 and 2, there were no differences (P > 0.05) between groups in blastocyst development (Exp. 1, 36.7 % and 39.2 %; Exp. 2, 41.5 % and 44.6 %). In Experiment 3, blastocyst development was not different (P > 0.05) for embryos refreshed at both Day 3 and 7 (10.8 %) or only at Day 7 (26.6 %), or those transferred to second-step medium on Day 4 or Day 5 (20.6 % and 18.5 %). Knowledge of culture procedures compatible with blastocyst formation in vitro is valuable to laboratories starting to develop procedures for ICSI in horses.

Dramatic decrease of flood frequency in the Mekong Delta due to river-bed mining and dyke construction

Here we present a proof of concept evaluation of the impacts of riverbed-mining on river-wetland connectivity by analyzing the temporal trends of the flood frequencies in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta (VMD), while accounting for the effect of dyke constructions. We focus on the Long Xuyen Quadrangle (LXQ), which is significant in terms of biodiversity and economic contribution to the VMD as it is one of the most important food baskets of Southeast Asia that depends on seasonal flooding. Our results indicate that the flood frequency in LXQ has decreased significantly over the past 20 years (1995–2015). Time-series analyses of water level data at Chau Doc, Tan Chau, and Can Tho stations confirmed that the overall descending trend is statistically significant (p-value < 0.001 and tau ~ 0.1). However, the river discharge at Kratie showed no significant trend (p-value = 0.98) over the same period. This indicates that the flood frequency is associated with the lowering of the riverbed (incision) other than climatic factors. The connectivity analysis also revealed a remarkable drop in the inundation duration after early 2000, which corresponds to the previous observations of the shifting shoreline of the VMD from construction to shrinking. Finally, regression and principal component analyses underpinned the strong causality between the riverbed-mining and the decreased seasonal flooding patterns in LXQ, while accounting for the effect of the dyke system over the last decades (R2 = 0.75). This study offers compelling evidences on the relationship between sand-mining in the river and the disrupted flood regimes in VMD. The reduction in water and sediments that is necessary for sustaining current rates of agricultural production in the long term would endanger the livelihoods of millions of VMD inhabitants.

Cyclic Economy in a Globalized World

The article is devoted to solving the problems of the development of a cyclical economy in the conditions of globalization, since the further development of society while maintaining the current growth rates of production and consumption with increasing population can lead to a global catastrophe. The traditional development model is based on intensive industrial growth and resource-intensive infrastructure. In a global cyclical economy, it is necessary to separate economic growth from resource consumption, focusing on preserving value in order to protect ecosystems and natural capital. The aim of the work is to develop tools for the transition to a cyclical economy in the context of globalization. The research methodology is based on an analysis of international and national legislation, scientific publications and ongoing projects for building elements of a cyclical economy. To model the development of cyclical development in the context of globalization, economic opportunities are identified based on specific indicators and identified barriers for which solutions and policy options are developed. For the practical implementation of the ideas of a cyclical economy, government measures are needed to overcome institutional, economic and political barriers. The transition to a cyclical economy leads to an increase in transaction costs, uncertainty, opportunistic behavior. The concept of a cyclical economy is global in nature and represents a systemic shift that shapes long-term sustainability, creates economic opportunities and provides environmental and social benefits.

Global trends in the crop protection industry.

With the world’s human population expected to reach nearly 10 billion by 2050 and the negative impact of climate change on agriculture, maintenance of a stable global food supply is under significant threat. Given these dynamics, this article outlines the current market trends in the crop protection industry, including corporate consolidations and agrochemical regulations, comments on new technologies and the situation surrounding research and development (R&D) in the industry. It also highlights how agrochemicals contribute to building a more sustainable society. 1. Environmental trends (population growth, grain demand, and climate change) According to an estimate by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the world population has reached 7.55 billion in 2017 and will reach 9.8 billion by 2050. Accompanying this growth is a demand for grain that is expected to increase at least 2.2-fold from 1970 to 2020 (2.5 billion tons). In contrast to needed increases in grain demand to parallel population growth, the amount of cultivated area in the world in 2015 was virtually the same as it was in 1965, with no rapid increase expected in the future. Therefore, combined with the predicted population growth, it appears that cultivated area per person will continue to decline worldwide. Climate change is also looming as a major threat to grain production. On the one hand, temperatures rise could extend the growing season in certain areas, and it is possible that increased carbon dioxide levels may facilitate photosynthetic carbon dioxide fixation in certain types of plants, potentially leading to increases in grain productivity. Especially in areas in the Eurasian continent and high-latitude regions of North America, increased temperatures are expected to enhance grain crop yields. Many other areas, however, are likely to witness lower grain crop yields due to the influence of climate change. Moreover, many of the areas predicted to suffer reduced crop yields are currently major grain-producing regions. This means climate change threatens to greatly affect crop production as a whole. Across the world, the loss of yield in 2050 compared to 2000 is expected to be 24% for maize, 11% for rice, and 3% for wheat.1) Open in a separate window Fig. 1. Cultivated area worldwide and per person. Source: FAOSTAT (http://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#home) Consequently, it is obvious that it will not be possible to maintain the balance of supply and demand of grain down the road at current rates of grain production. In addition to the negative effects of climate change, it is unreasonable to expect a rapid expansion of cultivated area synchronously with the increasing demand for grain production that results from population growth. Under such environmental conditions, agricultural productivity per unit cultivated area must be increased to provide sufficient food to support the world’s population. Furthermore, it is imperative to use agricultural materials, including agrochemicals, more effectively than ever before and adopt innovative technological approaches to overcome these problems.

Injection of iron-bearing concentrates derived from steel-smelting slag into the converter bath

Steel-smelting slags form a large proportion of metallurgical wastes. They are generated at a rate of 150–200 kg/t of steel, on average. At current rates of steel production in Russia, the annual output of smelting slag is 9 million t, of which 8–11% consists of metallic iron and 15–40% of iron oxides. The total iron content in the slag is 20–30 wt %. Steel-smelting slag represents a valuable source of iron, which should be processed and returned to production. The slag-processing system at AO EVRAZ ZSMK permits stepwise removal of iron-bearing inclusions from the slag by magnetic separation. The iron-bearing concentrate obtained consists of three fractions: 0–10 mm (for use in sinter production); 10–80 mm (for blast-furnace use); and 80–250 mm (for use in steel smelting). The use of the 0–10 and 10–80 mm fractions in steel production in 160-t converters is considered in the present work. A mathematical model permits multivariant calculations to investigate the smelting dynamics and the distribution of added iron-bearing concentrates in the metallic melt, for different trajectories and dosing protocols. Analysis of the results yields new information regarding the hydrodynamic processes when iron-bearing concentrates from the slag-processing system at AO EVRAZ ZSMK are injected in the converter bath.

Are mangroves in Victoria (south-eastern Australia) already responding to climate change?

The distribution and productivity of mangroves is directly affected by a wide range of climatic drivers, including temperature, frost, rainfall, evaporation and storm activity, which, in turn, influence a suite of secondary drivers, including changes in freshwater run-off and sediment supply, groundwater dynamics and inter-species competitiveness. The highest-latitude expression of mangroves globally is at Millers Landing, Victoria (38°45′S), and because the vigour and productivity of mangroves across much of Victoria is thought to be limited by low winter temperatures and the incidence and severity of frosts, it is likely that mangroves will be among the first plant communities to be affected by climate change in coastal south-eastern Australia. An increase in plant vigour is likely, but there are almost no historical data with which to compare current rates of primary production. An extension of mangroves to higher latitudes on the mainland is impossible because of the geomorphology of the land that lies further to the south. Small-scale changes in distribution, including the progressive encroachment of mangroves into coastal saltmarsh, are likely to be among the clearest indications of the response of mangroves to a warming climate. Increased effort into tracking changes in mangrove vigour, productivity and distribution is clearly warranted.

Hydrogen photoproduction by co-culture Clostridium butyricum and Rhodobacter sphaeroides

The starch-utilizing co-culture Clostridium butyricum and Rhodobacter sphaeroides demonstrated the higher H2 yield than C. butyricum (4.9 and 1.5 mol/mol hexose, respectively). Two species in co-culture were probably in balance since volatile fatty acids were not accumulated. The co-culture was as efficient in H2 production from glucose as R. sphaeroides monoculture. A short-term test was suggested to determine the current activity of either species in co-culture. During the early phase, the H2 production was mediated by both species, or C. butyricum accompanied with H2 consumption by R. sphaeroides. Glucose addition did not influence the current rates of Clostridium-mediated and Rhodobacter-mediated H2 production arguing against the limitation/competition for glucose between two species. During the late phase, the H2 production was completely attributed to R. sphaeroides. The current rates of Clostridium-mediated H2 production by co-culture were definitely reduced as compared to C. butyricum monoculture due probably to adverse effect of purple bacteria.

Rapid Removal of Atmospheric CO2 by Urban Soils.

The measured calcium carbonate content of soils to a depth of 100 mm at a large urban development site has increased over 18 months at a rate that corresponds to the sequestration of 85 t of CO2/ha (8.5 kg of CO2 m(-2)) annually. This is a consequence of rapid weathering of calcium silicate and hydroxide minerals derived from the demolition of concrete structures, which releases Ca that combines with CO2 ultimately derived from the atmosphere, precipitating as calcite. Stable isotope data confirm an atmospheric origin for carbonate carbon, and 14C dating indicates the predominance of modern carbon in the pedogenic calcite. Trial pits show that carbonation extends to depths of ≥1 m. Work at other sites shows that the occurrence of pedogenic carbonates is widespread in artificially created urban soils containing Ca and Mg silicate minerals. Appropriate management of fewer than 12000 ha of urban land to maximize calcite precipitation has the potential to remove 1 million t of CO2 from the atmosphere annually. The maximal global potential is estimated to be approximately 700-1200 Mt of CO2 per year (representing 2.0-3.7% of total emissions from fossil fuel combustion) based on current rates of production of industry-derived Ca- and Mg-bearing materials.

When Unconventional Becomes Conventional

Summary British Columbia (B.C.) has seen near-exponential growth in the areas of the Horn River and Montney unconventional shale-gas plays situated in northeastern B.C. (Fig. 1). The original-gas-in-place volume for the Montney and Horn River basins has not been formally calculated, but it has been estimated at greater than 500 Tcf and continues to be revised upwardly as new and more-refined information is obtained and development takes place. The Cordova embayment and Liard basin, east and west (respectively) of the Horn River basin, are at early stages of assessment but promise additional massive gas-in-place values. Approximately 5 years ago, industry experts were predicting a dramatic reduction in viable gas production from the western Canada sedimentary basin, and from North America in general. Market predictions were favouring investment in import terminals for liquefied natural gas (LNG), in which gas from offshore suppliers could be imported and moved through the North American transportation grid to market. Regulators were anticipating an influx of LNG-facility applications and myriad infrastructure modifications to handle the resulting new flow regime. In 5 short years, this dire future has been reversed completely because of the advent of economically viable methods to access gas trapped in shales and similar tight formations. At the current rates of production and exploration, there are more than 20 years of gas reserves in B.C., reversing a previous decline, as shown in Fig. 2. B.C. is ideally positioned to provide gas to North America with ready access to a number of major gas-transportation pipelines, including systems operated by TransCanada Pipelines, Spectra Energy Gas Transmission, and the Alliance Pipeline. Many of these systems are undergoing significant capacity expansions to accommodate the influx of gas from these new plays. This paper will explore the challenges posed to regulators in rapidly moving from conventional vertical-well developments to unconventional multiwell pads consisting of multiple fracture-stimulated horizontal wells.

A Depletion Protocol for Non-Renewable Natural Resources: Australia as an Example

This paper examines the implications of statements by Australia’s Minister of… Resources that Australia’s exports of coal are growing rapidly and that Australia’s coal will last “110 years at current rates of production.” If one assumes that coal production P(t), follows a Gaussian curve (similar to a Hubbert curve) one can construct a family of Gaussian curves showing possible future paths of P(t) which are consistent with the cited “110 years.” Each curve reaches a maximum after which P(t) declines toward zero. Knowledge of the present value of dP/dt allows one member of the family to be identified as the most probable future path of P(t). Families of curves and tabular data are presented for resource quantities that would last 50, 100 and 200 years “at current rates of production.” If, instead, Australia’s P(t) follows a declining exponential curve (exp(−kt)) with k = (1/110) per year, the stated quantity of coal will allow production to continue forever, with P(t) declining with a half life of 76 y. This and more rapidly declining exponential paths are the only paths that can be said to be sustainable. The envelope of the family of Gaussian curves divides the (P, t) plane into “allowed” and “forbidden” areas. The declining exponential curve divides the “allowed” area into an upper area that is “terminal” and a lower area that is “sustainable.” These facts, coupled with Australia’s expectations of rapid growth of its population, suggest that Australia’s present resource policies are “anti-sustainable” and that the people of Australia need to rethink their present policy of rapidly exporting their fossil fuels.

Integrating nutrition with ecology: balancing the health of humans and biosphere

To show that current rates of global population growth, production and consumption of food, and use of living and physical resources, are evidently not sustainable. To consider ways in which nutrition and allied sciences can respond to this great challenge of the twenty-first century. Past, current and future projected trends in production and consumption patterns are examined. These show that overall present and projected patterns cannot be sustained; and also show increasing unacceptable inequity between and within rich and poor regions and countries. Nutrition science classically focuses on nutrients in relation to human physiology, metabolism, growth, health and disease. The social and environmental conditions of the modern, interconnected, market-oriented world, and the consequences for food production and consumption, are extending the research and policy agenda with which nutrition science must now urgently engage. Historically, much attention has been paid to eliminating nutritional deficiency states, and this remains an important task. In modern urban populations 'malnutrition' encompasses new forms of dietary imbalance, especially excesses of certain nutrients. These contribute to various non-communicable diseases and, particularly, to overweight/obesity and its attendant metabolic derangements and disease risks. As a mass phenomenon the current surge in obesity has no historical precedent. The escalating impact of humankind on the natural environment, with its ramifications for present and future food production, is also unprecedented. The essential challenge for nutrition science is to develop new understanding and strategies to enable a balance between promoting, equitably, the health of humans while sustaining the long-term health of the biosphere. Extension of nutrition science and food policy to meet those goals will be aided by understanding better how dietary conditions shaped the biological evolution of humankind. The fundamental long-term task is to integrate human health with the health of the biosphere.

Anopheles infection responses; laboratory models versus field malaria transmission systems

The molecular biology of disease vectors, particularly mosquitoes, has experienced a remarkable progress in the past two decades. This is mainly attributed to methodological advances and the emerging genome sequences of vector species, which have brought experimental biology to an unprecedented level. It is now possible to determine the entire transcriptome of Anopheles gambiae at a variety of conditions, with a low per-gene effort and cost. Proteomic profiles can be generated for as small samples as the hemolymph, and transient reverse genetic and stable germ line based transgenic analyses can be performed to analyze gene function. High throughput screening for receptors and ligands can be used to characterize interactions between vectors and pathogens. At the current breathtaking rates of data production it is essential to question and evaluate the relevance of laboratory infection models to the real disease transmission systems. The majority of scientific discoveries in mosquito molecular biology have been based on highly inbred laboratory strains and rodent malaria parasite infection models, which may differ substantially to their counterparts that transmit human malaria in the field. This review addresses the recent advances in high throughput transcription analyses of Anopheles responses to infection, and discusses considerations for the use of laboratory malaria infection models.

Water resources and food security: a Caribbean case study

Domestic and industrial water demands have been the dominant factors in the management of the water resources in Trinidad, and its irrigation demand has been masked by the virtual water embedded in grain imports, made possible by a vibrant economy underpinned by oil and gas. This has led to an illusion of food security. Moreover, considering the island's ample land and water resources, its dependence on imported grain is unfortunate, since rice and corn can be grown locally. This neglect of agriculture, which has historical roots, is evident by about 37% of the arable land being unused and less than 2% of arable land being under irrigation. Against this background, the island's oil and gas reserves are expected to be depleted, at current rates of production, in about 10 and 60 years respectively. These possibilities raise concerns about the sustainability of grain imports and food security on the island. This technical note briefly examines these issues and shows that it should be possible for the island to achieve a large measure of food sufficiency, provided the issue of virtual water is addressed in the island's water resources planning.

Water resources and food security: a Caribbean case study

Domestic and industrial water demands have been the dominant factors in the management of the water resources in Trinidad, and its irrigation demand has been masked by the virtual water embedded in grain imports, made possible by a vibrant economy underpinned by oil and gas. This has led to an illusion of food security. Moreover, considering the island's ample land and water resources, its dependence on imported grain is unfortunate, since rice and corn can be grown locally. This neglect of agriculture, which has historical roots, is evident by about 37% of the arable land being unused and less than 2% of arable land being under irrigation. Against this background, the island's oil and gas reserves are expected to be depleted, at current rates of production, in about 10 and 60 years respectively. These possibilities raise concerns about the sustainability of grain imports and food security on the island. This technical note briefly examines these issues and shows that it should be possible for the island to achieve a large measure of food sufficiency, provided the issue of virtual water is addressed in the island's water resources planning.