Development of a new method to prepare nano-/microparticles loaded with extracts of azadirachta indica, their characterization and use in controlling plutella xylostella

Biodegradable nanoparticles have been widely explored as carriers for controlled delivery of therapeutic molecules; however, studies describing the development of nanoparticles as carriers for biopesticide products are few. In this work, a new method to prepare nanoparticles loaded with neem (Azadirachta indica) extracts is presented. In this study, nanoparticles were formulated as colloidal suspension and (spray-dried) powder and characterized by evaluating pH, particle size, zeta potential, morphology, absolute recovery, and entrapment efficiency. A high-performance liquid chromatography method was used for nanoparticle characterization. The best formulations presented absolute recovery and entrapment efficiencies of approximately 100% and a release profile based on swelling and relaxation of the polymer or polymer erosion. The biological data of the formulated products against Plutella xylostella showed 100% larval mortality. The nanoparticle information improved the stability of neem products against ultraviolet radiation and increased their dispersion in the aqueous phase. © 2013 American Chemical Society.

Sugarcane vinasse: Environmental implications of its use

The inadequate and indiscriminate disposal of sugarcane vinasse in soils and water bodies has received much attention since decades ago, due to environmental problems associated to this practice. Vinasse is the final by-product of the biomass distillation, mainly for the production of ethanol, from sugar crops (beet and sugarcane), starch crops (corn, wheat, rice, and cassava), or cellulosic material (harvesting crop residues, sugarcane bagasse, and wood). Because of the large quantities of vinasse produced, alternative treatments and uses have been developed, such as recycling of vinasse in fermentation, fertirrigation, concentration by evaporation, and yeast and energy production. This review was aimed at examining the available data on the subject as a contribution to update the information on sugarcane vinasse, from its characteristics and chemical composition to alternatives uses in Brazil: fertirrigation, concentration by evaporation, energy production; the effects on soil physical, chemical and biological properties; its influence on seed germination, its use as biostimulant and environmental contaminant. The low pH, electric conductivity, and chemical elements present in sugarcane vinasse may cause changes in the chemical and physical-chemical properties of soils, rivers, and lakes with frequent discharges over a long period of time, and also have adverse effects on agricultural soils and biota in general. Thus, new studies and green methods need to be developed aiming at sugarcane vinasse recycling and disposal. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Report of the Expert Group Meeting on the Caribbean Information Society

The meeting was convened as part of this office's strategy to continue to provide support to CDCC Member States in implementing the WSIS Plan of Action. The thirty two participants were in general knowledgeable about the Information Society activities of their respective governments and organisations. The objective of the meeting was to apprise CDCC Member Countries of the activities which the Secretariat had undertaken in the area of Information and Communications Technology for Development as a follow up to the Twentieth Session of the CDCC and in response to the resolution tabled at that session; to facilitate the exchange of information among countries and agencies in the region with respect to ICTs for development in general and the WSIS process in particular; hear reports on progress made at the national level, with special focus on the area of e-government and government policies in the area of ICTs; and to get a snapshot as to where the region is positioned vis a vis the WSIS agenda. A Caribbean ICT Stocktaking report was presented and there was an update on the e-LAC strategy. Several recommendations were made with respect to ECLAC's continuing involvement in this area - among them, that ECLAC should assist countries with preparing national e-strategies, develop strategic partnerships especially with the CARICOM Secretariat, develop databases and other information four use by the CDCC countries and continue its stocktaking work

Information and communication technologies for agricultural development in Latin America: trends, barriers and policies

Includes bibliography

Surveys on time use and unpaid work in Latin America and the Caribbean: Experience to date and challenges for the future

Incluye bibliografía.

The use of census data for national development planning Focus on the 2010 population and housing census

Includes bibliography.