The majority of scientific discoveries remain confined to dissertations and peer review publications where they remain hidden from their possible industrial applications. Given the challenges offered by current global events like environmental pollution, climate change effects, and diseases, the need for more rapid transmission of scientific discoveries from the realm of postgraduate dissertations and research papers to industrial applications is most critical. Hence, the need for a clear road map, allowing the connection of both pure and applied scientific discoveries to their industrial applications is obvious. Of course, for this to be achieved, a clear understanding of the constituent steps of such a process is germane. Hence, this brief workshop aims to map a possible path for achieving the aforementioned central goal, using previous experiences and examples.
Economic development theorists ((Schumpter 1942), (Romer, 1994), (Solow, 1956)) have established the theoretical constructs of scientific and technological developments as foundations to innovative solutions in the form of products, processes and services to long-term socio-economic development and prosperity to high-end economies around the world. It is through the pervasiveness of these innovations within markets which then spurs a sustainable social transformation and long term economic growth within nations.
Invasive alien species (IAS) are implicated in the extinction or decline of numerous native aquatic species worldwide. Their negative impacts occur through mechanisms including habitat alteration, competition, predation, hybridisation, and the spread of disease (Strayer et al. 2006). Small island ecosystems are most susceptible to the impacts of IAS. Once established, freshwater IAS are difficult to eradicate without negatively impacting native species.
Piano grass (Themeda arguens), reputed to have been introduced to Jamaica as packing material in an imported piano1 . There are about 27 varieties of this highly invasive grass/weed worldwide[1] and in Jamaica the species previously identified as Themeda arguens is of concern as it has progressively taken over lawns, pastures and roadsides [1]. The grass is of particular concern to livestock farmers due to its highly invasive and aggressive nature and the concomitant negative effect on livestock productivity, especially during its annual seeding period (November/December – April) [2], when the palatability of the grass diminishes significantly and the seed awns can cause severe damage to the mouth when consumed, and feet of livestock [2], sometimes requiring veterinary intervention.
Forensic Crime Scene Investigators (FCSIs) are forensic practitioners who are key components to the investigative process within a legal framework. In fact, the criminal justice system considers the scientific evaluation and forensic evidence collection to be the most significant aspect of any criminal investigation and court cases. Despite this, limited literature exists on the psychological effects experienced by FCSIs from processing gruesome crime scenes on a regular basis.
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