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Quality management and innovation are priority issues in research facilities that close the cycle from research to products delivery for its social use. The objective of this work is to diagnose the conditions for the implementation of the Integrated Quality and Innovation Management System in the Biomaterials Center of the University of Havana, based on the standards: NCISO 9001:2015; NC-ISO 13485:2018 and NC 1307:2019. To do this, the stages to manage the change were established, and a diagnostic tool based on the integration of the mentioned standards was designed and applied. As a result, it was identified the need to strengthen the aspects related to: the strategies for achieving the vision, the management of ideas, the execution of projects by product, the transfer of results, the monitoring and measurement of the management of research, development and innovation activities and their results. In addition, the existing documents in the Center's management system must be modified in order to detail the implementation and monitoring of innovation activities. The integrated management, of the regulatory requirements for biomaterials, and the quality and innovation management, constitutes an organizational innovation that will facilitate the development of innovative products for the National Health System, contributing to the achievement of the organization's vision and the fulfillment of strategic objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mice thermoneutral zone lies at temperatures much higher than expected when considering the geographical extension of the species. Growing evidence shows that mouse-dependent thermogenesis experimentation needs to cope with temperatures below those at which the animals are most comfortable. The associated physiological changes interfere with experimental results, thereby highlighting the apparently trivial subject of room-temperature. Working at above 25 °C is difficult for researchers and animal care technicians. Herein, we explore alternative solutions related to living habits of wild mice that could improve translation of research on mice to humans. Standard murine environments are often colder than those in laboratory facilities and their behavior is mainly characterized by a gregarious, nesting and exploratory way of life. Optimization of their thermal environment can thus also be achieved by avoiding individual housing and providing high-quality nesting material and devices that would allow locomotor activity, hence muscle thermogenesis. These options have additional relevance in terms of animal welfare. When precise monitoring of the temperature is required, temperature-controlled cabinets can be used for the duration of the experiments. During the manipulation of mice, a heated laminar flow hood or tray could create an optimized microenvironment. The specification of temperature-related data in publications should contain information on the translatability of the described mouse models to humans. Furthermore, publications should describe the premises of the laboratory in relation to housing possibilities and murine behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous doctoral degree holders were trained in African archaeometallurgy in the Global North as well as on the African continent. African archaeometallurgy continues to attract a significant number of researchers from Europe and North America. This paper is based on our lived experiences as resident African archaeometallurgists. We argue that out of frustration because of unequal power relations and lack of access to archaeological science laboratories and funding, most African archaeometallurgists are now pursuing other research areas and careers altogether. We propose some solutions to ensure sustainability in the training and practice of archaeological scientists on the African continent. We conclude that African scholars need to develop home-grown and long-term research capacities and strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]