From the Dg’S DeskSEASON'S GREETINGS !!

With profound grief and sorrow I inform our readers about the sad demise of Mr. KN Johry, my

thpredecessor in the Centre, on 20 December 2014. We salute his immense contributions to the Centre in laying its foundation at the India

Habitat Centre.

During last quarter of the year, we organised an international workshop on 'Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Policy Making for Developing

thCountries' at the Kish Island, Iran during 28 Nov. - st1 Dec. 2014 jointly with the Technology Studies

Institute (TSI) of the Presidency of Islamic Republic of Iran with participation of 26 experts from 13 countries, which concluded with unanimous adoption of the 'Kish Island Resolutions - 2014 on Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Making'.

During this period, the Centre also brought out two publications on: 'Lightning Science and Lightning Protection' edited by Prof. Estelle Trengove (South Africa) and Mrs. Foster Chileshe Lubasi (Zambia); and 'Minerals Processing & Beneficiation', edited by Dr. Awni Al-Otoom and Dr. Mohammad Al-Harahsheh of Jordan.

A mid-term review of our RTF-DCS programme was conducted by an Indian Inter-Ministerial Committee

t hon 11 November 2014 which strongly recommended the enhancement in the number of Fellowships and also selected the Fellows for 2014-15.

Since 2002, we have been hiring young scientists and engineers for short terms for their capacity building in South-South cooperation and international relations in science and technology. In turn, they have been a great strength for the Centre. So far we have trained 54 Scientific Associates (46 females and 8 males), who have eventually made a place for themselves in their career. From this issue onwards, we are starting a new column featuring some of these erstwhile colleagues.

We have announced holding an International Training Workshop on 'Herbal Medicine: Drug Discovery from Herbs - Approaches, Innovations and Applications' in Mysore (Karnataka) and Ooty

th rd(Tamilnadu), India on 30 March – 3 April 2015 jointly with the JSS University, Mysore. I earnestly invite the concerned researchers and professionals to take advantage of this programme.

Happy Reading!

The key to economic development in a country lies in its ability to innovate and effectively exploit innovations. In the competitive world, only those countries can be successful in managing their economy, which possess technologically skilled manpower, indigenous capability in state-of-the-art technologies and a strong climate of innovation and entrepreneurship. The capability for innovation and its diffusion can be promoted through a dynamic process involving governments, academia, R&D institutions and industry with the help of a combination of schemes and programmes for research and development in priority areas of technologies for the transfer and adaptation of technologies and for the development of new technology-based industry backed up by adequate support facilities and suitable institutional mechanisms.

For a variety of reasons, in most cases the S&T infrastructure and capabilities created in the developing countries have failed to fulfil their potential and the real technological requirements of the productive sector have not been adequately appreciated in these countries in the formulation and implementation of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) policies. The reasons may stem from financing, economic factors, management problems and policy orientations. Therefore it is important to have a strategically designed STI policy at the national level, commensurate with the challenges of the globalising society. In many developing countries, however, STI policies are rather focused on research in basic sciences, and do not address the needs of the local industry and economic conditions. Moreover, developing countries often do not even have proper human resource to design their own national STI policies and lack experience in policy formulation and implementation.

(Arun P. Kulshreshtha)

(Contd. on page 2)

Inauguration of the STI Policy Making Workshop, Kish Island, Iran

Centre Organised

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION POLICY MAKING FOR DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

Kish Island, Iran th st

28 Nov. – 1 Dec. 2014

International Workshop on

S&T NewsletterA Quarterly of the

Centre for Science and Technology of the Non-Alignedand Other Developing Countries (NAM S&T Centre)

VOL. 24, NO. 3OCTOBER- DECEMBER 2014

I.S.S.N 0971-4200

2015

NAM S&T Centre

2

October - December 2014

(Contd. on page 3)

Keeping the above in view, the NAM S&T Centre and the Technology Studies Institute (TSI) of the Presidency of Islamic Republic of Iran organised an International Workshop on 'Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Policy Making for

th stDeveloping Countries' during 28 November – 1 December 2014 at the International Convention Centre of Kish Island, Iran. 26 experts, professionals, researchers and administrators from 13 countries, including Botswana, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Mauritius, Myanmar, Palestine, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe (which were sponsored by the NAM S&T Centre) and the host country Iran attended this international workshop. Besides them, three special Iranian guests, namely, Dr. Hamidreza Amirinia, Head of Knowledge-Based Economy Committee, Setade Ejraee Farmane Emam, Vice Presidency for Science & Technology; Dr. Alimorteza Birang, Head of International Affairs, Vice Presidency for Science & Technology; and Dr. Hossein Ahmadi, Head, International Affairs Division, Centre for Innovation and Technology Cooperation (CITC), Presidency of the I.R. of Iran were also present during most part of the event and chaired the technical and other sessions. From among the organisers, Dr. Seyed Habibollah Tabatabaeian, Associate Professor and Head of Technology Studies Institute (TSI), Presidency of I.R. of Iran was present along with his colleagues.

The overseas participants were from Botswana [Dr. Budzanani Tacheba, Director, Cluster Development and Innovation Programmes, Botswana Innovation Hub, Gaborone]; India [Dr. Kasturi Mandal, Scientist, CSIR - National Institute of Science, Technology and Development Studies (NISTADS), New Delhi and Ms. Parul Sehgal, Research Assistant, NAM S&T Centre]; Indonesia [Ms. Anteng Setia Ningsih, Head of Sub-division of Technology Transfer Mechanisms, Directorate of S&T for Large Industries, Ministry of Research and Technology, Jakarta]; Iraq [Mr. Naseer Dhahir Mohsin, Manager, Planning & Follow-up Department, Directorate of Space and Communications, Ministry of Science and Technology, Baghdad]; Mauritius [Mr. Seethiah Dhuvandranand, Lecturer, University of Mauritius, Reduit]; Myanmar [Dr. Sai Kyaw Naing Oo, Director, Ministry of Science and Technology, Nay Pyi Taw]; Palestine [Dr. Adnan Jawdat Judeh Yousef, Executive Director, Higher Council for Innovation and Excellence, Ramallah]; South Africa [Mr. Cheka Mailula, Deputy Director Africa Multilateral Cooperation, Department of Science and Technology, Pretoria]; Sri Lanka [Dr. N. Deepal Subasinghe, Senior Research Fellow, Institute of Fundamental Studies, Kandy]; Tanzania [Mr. Sigisbert Mathias Mmasi, Research Engineer,

Tanzania Engineering and Manufacturing Design Organization (TEMDO), Arusha]; Zambia [Ms. Mupande Nambala, Programme Assistant – Policy, Regulation, Monitoring and Evaluation, National Science and Technology Council, Lusaka]; and Zimbabwe [Prof. Quinton C. Kanhukamwe, Vice Chancellor, Harare Institute of Technology; Ms. Ruvimbo Nazare, Science and Technology Officer, Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development, Harare; and Mr. Nqobizitha Dube, Lecturer / PhD Student, National University of Science and Technology, Institute of Development Studies, Ascot Bulawayo]. The NAM S&T Centre was represented during the Workshop by Prof. Dr. Arun P. Kulshreshtha, Director General and Mr. M. Bandyopadhyay, Senior Expert.

The Inaugural Session started with the Welcome Address by Dr. Seyed Habibollah Tabatabaeian, Head of Technology Studies Institute (TSI). Prof. Dr. Arun P. Kulshreshtha, Director General, NAM S&T Centre presented the genesis of the event and also briefly described the activities of his inter-governmental organisation. This was followed by the address of the Chief Guest, Dr. Engr. Alimorteza Birang, Deputy for Vice-Presidency on S&T in Iran. The Session was concluded with the introduction of the participants and a photo session.

The overall programme of the Workshop was conducted in six sessions including five technical and one concluding and valedictory session, respectively co-chaired by Dr. Seyed Tabatabaeian (Iran) and Dr. Adnan Judeh (Palestine); Dr. Ali Mohammad Soltani (Iran) and Ms. Anteng Ningsih (Indonesia); Mr. Hossein Ahmadi (Iran) and Mr. Cheka Mailula (South

(Contd. from Page 1 - STI Policy Making Workshop, Kish Island, Iran)

TachebaBotswana

NingsihIndonesia

SehgalIndia

DhuvandranandMauritius

MohsinIraq

Foreign Participants of STI Policy Making Workshop,

Kish Island, Iran

MandalIndia

Naing OoMyanmar

YousefPalestine

MailulaS. Africa

NambalaZambia

KanhukamweZimbabwe

NazareZimbabwe

DubeZimbabwe

SubasingheSri Lanka

MmasiTanzania

AhmadiAbdi Amirinia

Soltani Mashayekh Tabatabaeian

Iranian Co-chairs and Speakers of STI Policy Making Workshop, Kish Island, Iran

Khaleghian Maryam

Birang Kashani

Kulshreshtha BandyopadhyayRepresentatives of NAM S&T Centre

3

NAM S&T Centre October - December 2014

Africa); Dr. Javad Mashayekh (Iran) and Mr. M. Bandyopadhyay (NAM S&T Centre); Dr. Hamid Reza Amirinia (Iran) and Dr. Kasturi Mandal (India); and Dr. Seyed Tabatabaeian (Iran) and Prof. Arun Kulshreshtha (NAM S&T Centre). The scientific papers presented by the foreign participants during the five Technical Sessions were on 'Science, Technology and Innovation Policies in Emerging Economies: The Case of India as an Attractive Destination for Knowledge-Based Industries' by Ms. Parul Sehgal and Mr. M. Bandyopadhyay of the NAM S&T Centre; 'National Science and Technology Policy for Future Myanmar' by Dr. Sai Kyaw Naing Oo of Myanmar; 'Intermediation Technology to support Indonesian National Innovation System' by Ms. Anteng Ningsih of Indonesia; 'An Analysis of the Factors that inhibit Creativity and Innovation Capacity of Entrepreneurs in Tanzania' by Mr. Sigisbert Mmasi of Tanzania; 'Human Development and the Reality of Science, Technology and Innovation in Iraq' by Mr. Naseer Mohsin of Iraq; 'Evolution of Science Policy in Zimbabwe: How the Nation can leapfrog Socio-Economic Development through Targeted Science, Technology and Innovation Policies' by Ms. R. Nazare of Zimbabawe; 'Prerequisites for Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Making in Sri Lanka' by Dr. N. Deepal Subasinghe of Sri Lanka; 'The Shades of Green in a Science, Technology & Innovation Policy; Assessing the Relevance of Ecological Limits in Innovation Policies of Developing Countries: A Case of Zimbabwe' by Mr. N. Dube of Zimbabwe; 'Institutional Reorganisation: A Case of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), India' by Dr. Kasturi Mandal of India; 'Zambian National Policy on STI: Its Role in enhancing Competitiveness' by Ms. M. Nambala of Zambia; 'Linking Science with Business: The Role of University of Mauritius in the Ocean Economy' by Mr. S. Dhuvandranand of Mauritius; 'Towards A Pan-African Science, Technology and Innovation Agenda, Perspectives and Critical Reflections on the Past, Present and the Future' by Mr. Cheka Mailula of South Africa; 'The Development of Special Economic Zones Models for Economic Growth: The Case of Science and Technology Parks and Research Parks in Africa' by Dr. B. Tacheba of Botswana; 'Innovation Status in Palestine' by Dr. Adnan Judeh of Palestine; and 'STI Policy Development and Implementation at the Harare Institute of Technology' by Prof. Q.C. Kanhukamwe of Zimbabwe. Five scientific papers presented by Iranian scientists were on 'Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Policy Making in Developing Countries: The Case of Islamic Republic of Iran' by Mr. Javad Mashayekh of Technology

Studies Institute (TSI), Tehran; ''Designing the Infrastructure for Progress in the Light of Islamic-Iranian Approach' by Mr. Reza Abdi of TSI, Tehran; 'Nanotechnology Policy : An Experience from Islamic Republic of Iran' by Dr. Ali Mohammad Soltani of TSI, Tehran; 'Science and Technology Parks as an Infrastructure for Development; Case Study: Pardis Technology Park' by Mr. Amin Reza Khaleghian, DG, Pardis Technology Park, Iran Silicon Valley; and 'Iran's Innovation System in a Historical Perspective: Examining Institutional Roots of the Current Technological Gap' by Dr. Ebrahim Souzanchi Kashani, Assistant Professor, Graduate School of Management and Economics, Sharif University of Technology.

In the Concluding Session Prof. Dr. Arun P. Kulshreshtha, DG, NAM S&T Centre made a presentation on 'The Role of the NAM S&T Centre for South - South Cooperation in Science & Technology'. This was followed by an extensive discussion and debate to generate a set of resolutions titled 'Kish Island Resolutions - 2014 on Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Making in NAM and Other Developing Countries', which was subsequently unanimously adopted.

During the Valedictory Session certificates of participation were handed over to the Workshop participants and concluding remarks were made by some of the participants, DG NAM S&T Centre and Dr. Hamid Reza Amirinia, Advisor to the Vice Presidency on Science & Technology in Iran. The organisers were profusely thanked for the successful and fruitful organisation of the Workshop and for excellent hospitality and arrangements made for the delegates. It was unanimously hoped that more similar events will be held in future with a focus on South-South cooperation.

In the forenoon of the last day of the event, the Workshop participants got opportunity to participate in the Official Opening

th thof the 4 International and 8 National Conference on Management of Technology at Kish International Convention Centre and also listen to Keynote Addresses by Prof. Bart Nooteboom of Groningen University, the Netherlands; Prof. Jeff Butler of Manchester Institute of Innovation Research; Dr. Markus Bayegan, Former Chief Technical Officer of ABB Group and MD, TriTech GmbH; and others.

The Workshop participants were also taken around the Kish Island, where they visited Harire Ancient Township; Abdollah Ibn Shaahin Tarathi's House and Museum of Anthropology of Kish Natives; Abandoned Burnt Greek Shipwreck; and ancient underground Aqueduct City.

NAM S&T Centre October - December 2014NAM S&T Centre October - December 2014

(Contd. from Page 2 - )STI Policy Making Workshop, Kish Island, Iran

KISH ISLAND RESOLUTIONS - 2014 ON

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION POLICY MAKING IN NAM AND OTHER DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

WHILE EXPRESSING GRATITUDE to the Technology Studies Institute (TSI) of the Presidency of the Islamic Republic of Iran, host of the International Workshop on 'Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Making for Developing Countries', jointly held with the Centre for Science & Technology of the Non-Aligned and Other Developing Countries (NAM S&T Centre) at Kish Island, the Islamic Republic of Iran from 28 November – 01 December 2014;

thCELEBRATING the 25 Anniversary of the NAM S&T Centre as a catalyst for promoting science, technology and innovation as a part of cooperation among NAM and other developing countries;RECOGNIZING that science, technology and innovation is a global asset with potential to contribute to economic, social progress and welfare;NOTING that the prevailing gap between the North and South in the S&T fields is still growing, it is also recognized that science, technology and innovation are vital for the achievement of the internationally agreed development goals, advocating for active participation of the developing countries in the global economy.ALSO RECOGNIZING that promotion, capacity building and transfer of technologies are important for developing countries to facilitate innovation led, knowledge-based and sustainable economic growth.

(Contd. on page 4)

NAM S&T Centre October - December 2014

4

ENCOURAGING the NAM Member Countries to give high priority to development of science, technology and innovation embedded in their national policies in response to challenges that they face in implementing their national sustainable development strategies and programs.EMPHASIZING the importance of ensuring non-discriminatory and inclusive access of all countries to science, technology, knowledge and information, and rejecting the imposition of laws and regulations, including unilateral sanctions which have negative impact on development of science and technology;ANDHAVING DELIBERATED upon various aspects of STI policy formulation and implementation in the developing countries and the practical approaches of developing STI policy measures oriented towards future societal and technological challenges based on evidence drawn from comparable policy measures worldwide; WE, THE WORKSHOP PARTICIPANTS from Botswana, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Mauritius, Myanmar, Palestine, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe unanimously recommend to:

· Establish STI platforms such as open repositories to share and access knowledge, information, experiences and best practices involving technology developments that address the challenges of NAM and other developing countries;

· Facilitate academia-R&D institutes-industry interactions, involving mobility and cooperative research aimed primarily at increasing STI capacities and the cross border and trans-regional circulation of knowledge for sustainable development;

· Facilitate public- private partnerships within the NAM and other developing countries through the establishment and expansion of STI networks;

· Identify specific short, medium and long term actions that can lead to strong technological capabilities across various sectors and measures to promote sectors of specific potential for technological development;

· Find ways to improve policy formulation and implementation through improved national dialogue in the area of STI;· Encourage to undertake Science, Technology Innovation Policy (STIP) reviews, with a view to assisting developing countries and countries

with economies in transition in identifying the measures that are needed to integrate science, technology and innovation policies into their national development strategies;

· Identify best practices in developing countries in technological and economic progress which would encourage policymakers in other developing countries to promote technology and accelerate growth through innovation;

· Optimize trade and investment links with sources of technology for improving the status of NAM and other developing countries;· Provide adequate support and funding for the establishment of technology transfer offices in academia/R&D institutions and setting up of

technology business incubators/S&T Parks in their vicinity, which facilitates transfer of technology and promotion of technology-based small and medium enterprises;

· Nurture international collaboration on capacity building of S&T human resources and research infrastructure;· Include science and technology diplomacy in STI policy formulation for achieving mutual bilateral, multilateral and regional development;· Consider socio-cultural and environmental issues while formulating STI policy;· Create databases on the relevant STI indicators for benchmarking national performance in innovation and its impact on economic growth.

The workshop has been highly successful and the participants strongly recommend that similar events be held in other developing countries in future as a means of strengthening and promoting Science, Technology and Innovation Policymaking for sustainable development. To stimulate policymaking in Africa and other NAM member countries, the offer of the South African participant for hosting the next International STI Policymaking workshop for developing countries and Sub-Saharan Africa jointly with the NAM S&T Centre in the timeframe of 2015-16, subject to the necessary administrative clearances, was gratefully appreciated.The participants also expressed happiness with the participation of a senior representative of the State of Palestine for the first time in a scientific event organised by the NAM S&T Centre and agreed to extend support in the establishment of the Palestinian Innovation Ecosystem as part of the country's STI Policy initiative.

THUS, RESOLVED IN KISH ISLAND, THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN ON THIS DAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2014.

(Contd. from Page 3 - )STI Policy Making Workshop, Kish Island, Iran

RTF-DCS Scheme Mid-Term ReviewA scheme on 'Research Training Fellowship for Developing Country Scientists (RTF-DCS)' sponsored by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India is being implemented by the NAM S&T Centre from 2012-13 for the five year period 2012–2017. The scheme aims at capacity building of young researchers of the developing countries in science and technology by giving them opportunity to affiliate themselves with premier academic and research institutions in India for a period of 6 months with full financial support including international travel and local hospitality. The Scheme was successfully implemented in the last two years (2012-13 and 2013-14) with 20 Fellows each having completed their research work in the respective host institutions in India.

A mid-term review of the RTF-DCS scheme was conducted by an Inter-Ministerial Committee in a meeting held at the NAM S&T Centre thon 11 November 2014. The Committee comprised the representatives of various Ministries / Departments and scientific agencies of the

Government of India including: Mr. Kumar Tuhin, Joint Secretary, DPA-II, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Govt. of India, New Delhi; Dr. Alok Jha, Additional Director General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi; Dr. Mukesh Kumar, Head, International Health Division, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), New Delhi; Dr. Amitava Bandopadhyay, Head, International Science & Technology Affairs Directorate (ISTAD), Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), New Delhi; Dr. Mrs. Parvinder Maini, Scientist-F, Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Govt. of India, New Delhi; Mrs. Sadhana Relia, Head, International Multilateral and Regional Cooperation Division (IMRCD) & Scientist 'G', Department of Science & Technology (DST), Govt. of India, New Delhi; Dr. Ruckmani Arunachalam, Scientist B, International Multilateral and Regional Cooperation Division, DST, Govt. of India, New Delhi; and Mr. M. Bandyopadhyay, Senior Expert & Administrative Officer, NAM S&T Centre (Member Secretary). Prof. Dr. Arun P. Kulshreshtha, DG, NAM S&T Centre and scientific staff of the Centre were also present during the meeting.

Besides prioritising 77 'matched' applicants from 24 countries out of 215 applications received from 44 developing countries, the Committee strongly recommended an enhancement of the Fellowship slots available each year and funding of short term visits of Indian supervisors to the countries / institutions of the Fellows guided by them.

5

NAM S&T Centre October - December 2014

Visits of the Director General, NAM S&T CentreVISIT TO CARACAS, VENEZUELA

Prof. Dr. Arun P. Kulshreshtha, DG, NAM S&T th ndCentre visited Venezuela during 26 October to 2

November 2014 for attending the NANOSUR Community Workshop on 'Challenges of the Regional and International Cooperation in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology' held at Caracas during 27-29 Oct 2014, which was organised by the Ministry of Popular Power for Higher Education, Science and Technology, the Venezuelan Institute for Scientific Research, National Observatory for Science, Technology and Innovation, Institute of Advanced Studies, the Nanotechnology Argentine Foundation, Latin American Nanotechnology and Society Network, NANOANDES Network and the Venezuelan Nanotechnology Network. In the workshop he presented a paper titled 'A World driven by Nanotechnology' authored jointly with Radhika Tandon, Research Assistant, NAM S&T

Centre. At the conclusion of ththe workshop on 29 Oct.

2014 the participants of 16 coun t r i es unan imous l y adopted the Caracas Recommendations on 'Challenges of Regional and International Cooperation in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology'. Prof. Kulshreshtha called on His Excellency Mr. Manuel Fernández, Honourable Minister for Higher Education, Science and Technology of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, to brief him about the of representation of Venezuela as one of the Vice Presidents of the NAM S&T Centre and other related issues.Prof. Kulshreshtha also conducted preparatory discussions for an international workshop on Nanotechnology planned to be organised by the NAM S&T Centre jointly with Venezuelan Nanotechnology Network during 26-30 October 2015 most likely in Margarita Island of Venezuela.

H . E . M r . M a n u e l Fernandez, Minister of Higher Education, S&T of Venezuela

VISIT TO KISH ISLAND AND TEHRAN, IRAN

th ndProf. Dr. Arun P. Kulshreshtha, DG, NAM S&T Centre visited Iran during 26 November to 2 December 2014 for organising the International Workshop on 'Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Policy Making for Developing Countries' jointly

thwith the Center for Innovation and Technology Cooperation (CITC) of the Islamic Republic of Iran at Kish Island during 28 rd thNovember – 3 December 2014. At the conclusion of the workshop on 30 Nov. 2014 the professionals, researchers and

administrators from 13 countries unanimously adopted a set of resolutions titled 'Kish Island Resolutions - 2014 on Science, stTechnology and Innovation Policy Making in NAM and Other Developing Countries'. On 1 Dec. 2014 Prof. Kulshreshtha

th thalso attended the Official Opening of the 4 International and 8 National Conference on 'Management of Technology' at Kish International Convention Centre.

ndOn 2 December 2014, Prof. Kulshreshtha called at Tehran on His Excellency Dr. Mohammadreza Mokhber-Dezfouli, Secretary of the Iranian Supreme Council for Cultural Revolution in the presence of H.E. Prof. Mansur Kabkanian, Chief and Assistant to the Honourable Secretary and H.E. Dr. Eng. Hamid R. Amirinia, Head of Knowledge-Based Economy Committee, Setade Ejraee Farmane Emam & Advisor, Vice Presidency for S&T of Iran. The meeting led to the generation of new ideas, including those on the transfer and commercialisation of technologies among the developing world.

During his stay in Tehran Prof. Kulshreshtha met with Dr. Hossein Gharib, CEO of Tadbir Consulting Company Group. Later, he also visited Pardis Technology Park (Iran Silicon Valley) and in principle agreed with Dr. AminReza Khaleghian, DG of the

Park to hold a joint international training workshop on Technology Parks and Technology Transfer / Commercialisation in 2016 at the Pardis Technology Park.

Mr. M. Bandyopadhyay, Senior Expert & Administrative Officer and Ms. Parul Sehgal, Research A s s i s t a n t o f t h e C e n t r e accompanied the DG on this visit.

H.E. Dr. Mohammadreza M o k h b e r - D e z f o u l i , Secretary of the Iranian Supreme Council for Cultural Revolution

Meeting with Dr. Amin Reza Khaleghian, DG, Pardis Technology Park and his Colleagues

H.E. Prof. Mansur Kabkanian, Chief Assistant to Secretary to Supreme Council in Science Cultural Affairs and H.E. Dr. Hamid Reza Amirinia

Dr. Hossein Gharib, CEO of Tadbir Consult ing Company Group

Prof. Sara AldabeArgentina

Prof. Saul CabreraBolivia

Prof. Guillermo VenturuzziArgentina

Dr. Torres HernandezColombia

Prof. Edgar GonzalezColombia

Prof. Roberto CandalArgentina

Dr. Rodolfo GonzalezCosta Rica

Prof. Cesar CostaEcuador

Dr. Susana BonnetierFrance

Dr. Saeed SarkarIran

Prof. Juan RodriguezPeru

Prof. Arun KulshreshthaNAM Centre

Prof. Marie L. SaboungiFrance

Prof. Malek MaazaS. Africa

Prof. Pedro SerenaSpain

Prof. Victor GuerreroEcuador

Prof. Guillermo FoladoriUruguay

Dr. Anwar HasmyVenezuela

Prof. Estrella LaredoVenezuela

Prof. GemaGonzalezVenezuela

Dr. Helena PardoUruguay

Prof. Cristian PuigVenezuela

Dr. Jaoquin TutorVenezuela

Dr. Sirisurg SongsivilaiThailand

Speakers of NANOSUR 2014, Caracas, Venezuela

6

Research Training Fellowship for Developing Country Scientists(RTF-DCS) 2013-14Research Project Completion Reports

Mr. Nanoukon Innocent Dossou Aminon, Sorghum Program Leader, Faculty of Science and Technology of Dassa (FAST-Dassa), University of Abomey Calavi, Benin was deputed by the NAM S&T Centre to the Directorate of Sorghum Research (DSR), Hyderabad, India as a Fellow under the Research Training Fellowship

th rdfor Developing Country Scientists (RTF-DCS) scheme 2013-14 from 5 June 2014 to 23 November 2014 to carry out research work on a project titled 'Germplasm Management and Sorghum Genetic Enhancement for Improved Yield and Tolerance to Abiotic and Biotic Stresses' under the supervision of Dr. P. Sanjana.

As production of Sorghum in Benin is facing several abiotic and biotic constraints and is based on local varieties which have a poor yielding, very late maturing (till 200 days to 50% flowering), very tall and sensitive to abiotic and biotic stresses such as drought, striga, insects pests and diseases. The research training program was mainly focused on agronomic and molecular characterization of a sample genotype and breeding. As sorghum is mostly used for food, feed and biofuel purpose, knowledge on its microelements content (grain and forage sorghum) and sugar content in the stem juice (sweet sorghum) need some of biochemistry approaches, for which protocols were learnt and implemented during the training. While yield and earliness are the criteria mostly used by farmers to select their varieties or hybrids, increasing sorghum productions involve the improvement of yield and earliness, and the development of hybrids due to their heterosis aptitude. In addition to sorghum, the Fellow acquired hands on knowledge on maintenance and crossing techniques used in pearl millet breeding.

The protection of plant breeder's and farmers rights was a new concept that the Fellow learnt and its introduction in Benin educational program will be proposed by him to his faculty. Techniques learnt at DSR will be implemented in Benin to enhance sorghum and pearl millet production for the satisfaction of farmers, and insure food security and poverty alleviation there. The collaboration of both institutions (FAST-Dassa, Benin and DSR, India) and scientists will continue through future collaborative projects writing, capacity building and publications.

Benin - Project Completion Report of Mr. Nanoukon Innocent Dossou Aminon

Ms. Romella Feumba Dibanda, Associate Researcher in the Laboratory of Food Technologies, Institute of Medical Research & Medicinal Plants Research, Cameroon was deputed by the NAM S&T Centre to the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysore, India as a Fellow under the Research Training

th thFellowship for Developing Country Scientists (RTF-DCS) scheme for the year 2013-14 from 8 May 2014 to 29 October 2014 to carry out research work on a project titled 'Effect of Fruit Peels on Nutritional and Antioxidant Properties of Biscuits' under the supervision of Dr. M. C. Varadaraj.

The main aim of her study was to use fruit peels to enhance the nutritional and antioxidant properties of biscuits. Biscuits, due to their general acceptability, convenience and long shelf life, have been used as carriers of phytochemicals. Fruit peels usually considered as wastes are appreciable source of nutrients and phytochemicals especially antioxidant compounds.

For this purpose, total phenolics content, antioxidant activity, proximate composition, physical characteristics and sensory profile of peels of fresh fruits were determined. The fruit peels were then subjected to microwave-blanching and subsequent extraction. The fruit peels presenting highest total antioxidant activity (orange, apple and pomegranate) were incorporated into biscuits at proportions of 5% and 10%. Also the characteristics of these extracted fruit peels were determined as that of fresh fruit peels. Concerning anti-nutrients for safety limits; the oxalate, hydrogen cyanide, phytate and alkaloids levels in fruit peels were found within the threshold value reported as safety limit. The total phenolics content in fresh fruit peels ranged from 3.65 ± 0.09 to 28.01 ± 0.67%. The total antioxidant activity in the fresh fruit peels decreases in the order: Watermelon < Papaya < Pineapple < Banana < Mango < Apple < Pomegranate < Orange. It was observed that microwave blanching for 3 minutes produced a better improvement of total phenolics content and antioxidant activity for most of the peels.

Incorporation of apple, pomegranate and orange peels at 5% and 10% into biscuits produced both a significant decrease in protein content, and a significant increase in lipid, minerals and antioxidant activity of biscuits. The breaking force which is a physical characteristic of biscuits significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased with increasing proportion of orange and apple peels but decreased with addition of pomegranate peels. According to sensory evaluation, biscuits supplemented with 5% of fruit peels were most preferred.

The study demonstrated that fruit peels especially pomegranate, orange and apple peels can be incorporated at 5% to enhance the nutritional and antioxidant properties of biscuits. Thus giving way to use the unutilized potential and nutritional values lying in the fruit peels through incorporating these peels into biscuits, which are easily available food supplement.

Cameroon - Ms. Romella Feumba DibandaProject Completion Report of

NAM S&T Centre October - December 2014

Ivory Coast – Project Completion Report of Mr. Mbo Kacou Antoine AlbanMr. Mbo Kacou Antoine Alban of the National Agronomy Research Centre (CNRA), Cocoa Genetics Laboratory, Côte d'Ivoire was deputed by the NAM S&T Centre to the Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI), Vittal, Karnataka India as a Fellow under the Research Training Fellowship for Developing Country

th thScientists (RTF-DCS) scheme 2013-14 from 20 April 2014 to 7 October 2014 to carry out research work on a project titled 'Adaptation of Cocoa Tree Varieties to the Drought: Study of Physiological, Biochemical And Molecular Markers for Resistance' under the supervision of Dr. K. S. Ananda.

The study was focused on the genetic variability of agromorphological, physiological, biochemical and molecular traits to drought tolerance in ten cocoa hybrids and their parents from the Malaysian and Nigerian collections, expressing various sources of genetic variability, by conducting experiments under controlled conditions.

In first part, the average analysis with SAS 9.2 (Statistical Analysis System) software of morphological and physiological characters observed under induced water deficit stress showed a significant difference between hybrids. So, the hybrids I-

(Contd. on Page 7)

7

NAM S&T Centre October - December 2014

Mr. Amadou Hamadoun Dicko, Ph.D. Student, Laborem-biotech, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques (FST), University of Science, Technology and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako, Mali was deputed by the NAM S&T Centre to the Tropical Forest Research Institute (TFRI), Jabalpur, India as a Fellow under the Research

st thTraining Fellowship for Developing Country Scientists (RTF-DCS) scheme 2013-2014 from 1 April 2014 to 19 September 2014 to carry out research work on a project titled 'Enhancing Smallholder Maize Production through the provision of Efficient and Low-Cost Bacteria-based Biofertilizer' under the supervision of Dr. R. K. Verma.

The aim of the project was to evaluate effect of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) on maize germination and seedling growth in pots and field experiments. Five bacterial strains namely: Pseudomonas sp. (florescent strain), Pseudomonas sp. (non-florescent strain), Azospirillum sp., Azotobacter sp. and Actinomycetes sp. isolated from maize rhizospheric soil were used. The results recorded showed that the highest percentage of germination was obtained from seeds inoculated with Azospirillum sp. This treatment also recorded the best root length in pot experiment. The maximum plant height was observed with seeds treated with Pseudomonas sp. with an increase of 69.85% over untreated. The highest rates of the shoot and root dry matter was also recorded with Pseudomonas sp. florescent, with an increase of 64.67% and 49.67% respectively as compared to controls. Different results recorded from field experiment showed that the non-solarized beds treated by both, vermicompost and bacteria gave the best growth of maize, but all beds treated showed a better growth of maize plant than control. A visit to some maize fields in Sleemanabad of Katani District in Madhya Pradesh (India) was also undertaken to see the ground realities with farmers and to compare the results for better productivity.

The results under the project have suggested that some specific combinations of PGPR can be considered as efficient alternative biofertilisers to promote maize seed germination, biomass and crop yield.

Following the study, a research paper titles 'Effect of Growth Promoting Microbes on Initial Growth of Maize' authored by Dicko A. H. and Verma R. K. (2014) was accepted from the results of the research training work.

Mali – Project Completion Report of Mr. Amadou Hamadoun Dicko

14XNC29/66, I-14XNC42/94, I-21XNC42/94, I-21XNC29/66, I-29xNC23/43 and II-67XNC29/66 were found to posses high physiological traits. These tolerant cocoa hybrids were characterized by vegetative vigor, higher stomatal resistance, best photochemical activities and better net photosynthetic activity.

The second part of this work, based on the results of the first part, was a comparative study of associated biochemical markers with tolerance to water deficit genetic markers. The identification of biochemical markers related to the growth of hybrid cocoa varieties under induced water deficit stress showed a cytoplasmic accumulation of proline, free amino acids, proteins and high peroxidase activity (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) than a sensitive group.

The final results showed that the parents: NC 23/43, NC 29/66 and NC 42/94 had drought tolerant nature and the hybrids: I-21 x NC 29/66, I-29 x NC 23/43, II-67 x NC 29/66 and II-67 x NC 42/94; exhibited positive physiological traits for drought tolerance along with high yield.

Nepal – Project Completion Report of Mrs. Pratima PandeyMrs. Pratima Pandey, Scientist, Seed Science & Technology Division, Nepal Agriculture Research Council (NARC), Kathmandu, Nepal was deputed by the NAM S&T Centre to the Seed Science & Technology Section, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bangalore, India as a Fellow under the Research Training Fellowship

th thfor Developing Country Scientists (RTF-DCS) scheme 2013-14 for a period from 29 March 2014 to 20 September 2014 to carry out research work on a project titled 'Studies on Seed Invigouration in Vegetable Crops with Special Reference to Tomato and Cucumber' under the supervision of Dr. K. Bhanuprakash.

The objectives of projects were to identify suitable priming chemicals for enhancement of vigour in cucumber and tomato; identify biochemical changes in relation to vigour enhancement in cucumber and tomato; and study the effect of seed priming on seed germination under abiotic stress conditions.

Fresh seeds of cucumber and tomato were artificially aged as per ISTA (International Seed Testing Association) standards to obtain low vigour seed lots. Both of the high vigour (unaged) and low vigour (aged) seeds were subjected to seed priming with various chemicals (water, KH PO K HPO oxalic acid, gibberellic acid, KNO , calcium chloride, salicylic acid) and results were 2 4, 2 4, 3

compared to identify the best priming treatments. Changes in physiological (percent germination, total seedling length, total seedling dry weight, seedling vigour index I and II) and biochemical parameters (electrical conductivity, total soluble sugars and proteins, dehydrogenase activity, amylase activity, catalase activity, protein profiles, isozyme profiles) in relation to enhancement in viability and vigour upon priming were identified. The germination ability of primed seeds was compared with unprimed seeds under various abiotic stress conditions.

From the different experiments conducted, it was concluded that in cucumber and tomato, seed priming enhanced viability and vigour of low vigour seed and facilitated germination even under adverse conditions. Hence the technique of seed priming (seed invigouration) can be adopted as a simple and cost effective technology for better crop stand establishment and higher productivity.

The present studies have great practical utility particularly in the present scenario of global climate change and also in the context of safe seed storage & conservation (both formal and informal) in gene banks.

Nigeria – Project Completion Report of Mr. Yonni E. ApejiMr. Yonni E. Apeji of the Department of Pharmaceutics & Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria was deputed by the NAM S&T Centre to the Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Punjab, India as a Fellow under the Research Training Fellowship for Developing Country Scientists (RTF-DCS) scheme

th th2013-14 from 12 June to 24 November 2014 to carry out research work on a project titled 'Design and Development of a Multi-Functional Co-Processed Excipient for Direct Compression Tableting' under the supervision of Prof. Arvind K. Bansal.

(Contd. on Page 8)

(Contd. from Page 6 - RTF-DCS Project Completion Reports)

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NAM S&T Centre October - December 2014

Ms. Sadia Siddiqui, Product Manager, Universal Agro Chemicals Pvt. Ltd., Karachi, Pakistan was deputed by the NAM S&T Centre to the Plant Protection Division, Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding (IFGTB), Coimbatore, India as a Fellow under the Research Training Fellowship for Developing Country Scientists (RTF-

st thDCS) scheme 2013-14 for a period from 1 April 2014 to 28 September 2014 to carry out research work on a project titled 'Evaluation of Fusarium verticilloides for the Economic Production of Gibberellic Acid' under the supervision of Dr. A. Karthikeyan.

Gibberellic acid (GA ), a member of group gibberellins, a plant growth promoting hormone has wide applications 3

in agriculture. In the present study, five strains of F. verticiloides were isolated from sorghum, rice and maize by different methods and additionally three strains were procured as standards. The strains were morphologically characterized based on their hyphal and conidial morphology. Further, they were also characterised at molecular level using ITS markers. All the fungal strains were grown under submerged fermentation condition and the GA produced in the fungal exudates was 3

extracted using ethyl acetate and estimated using HPLC (High-performance liquid chromatography). Further, different media compositions were tried to enhance the production of GA and Czpeck broth medium was found to produce highest quantity of 3

GA The effect of GA on growth of rice seedlings was tested and significant increase in growth of treated seedlings was 3. 3

observed when compared to control seedlings. A positive control of synthetic GA treated seedlings was also maintained to 3

compare the growth.

The present study opens up an important avenue of research for production of affordable bio GA for agricultural applications.3

Pakistan – Project Completion Report of Ms. Sadia Siddiqui

The focus of this study was to design and develop a multifunctional tableting excipient for direct compression via co-processing. Design of experiment (DoE) approach was applied using the mixture design model to optimize the proportions of the interacting excipients namely tapioca starch, gelatin and silicon dioxide. Characterisation studies was carried out on the material to determine its physical, chemical and mechanical properties using analytical techniques like optical microscopy, SEM (Scanning electron microscopy), DSC, PXRD (Powder X-ray Diffractometry), FT-IR (Fourier transform infrared) spectroscopy. Flow properties was assessed by measuring the angle of repose, bulk and tapped densities as well as calculating the Carr's index (CI) and Hausner ratio (HR).

The IR (infrared) spectra seen in the FT-IR studies confirmed the absence of any chemical reaction occurring as a result of co-processing suggesting excipient compatibility and drug-excipient compatibility. Flow properties were enhanced as a result of the decrease in angle of repose, CI and HR. Compactibility (CTC) plot profile revealed that the material had higher compressibility, tabletability and compactibility when compared to its physical mixture. The tablets prepared met the USP requirements for acceptable tablets.

The overall results of this work confirmed that the functionality of tapioca starch was improved as a result of co-processing and therefore can be recommended as a suitable excipient for direct compression.

Sri Lanka – Project Completion Report of Ms. Deepani Upeka RajawardhanaMs. Deepani Upeka Rajawardhana, Research Scientist, Industrial Technology Institute (former CISIR), Colombo, Sri Lanka was deputed by the NAM S&T Centre to the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal, Haryana, India as a Fellow under the Research Training Fellowship for Developing Country Scientists (RTF-DCS) scheme 2013-14 for a period

st thfrom 1 March 2014 to 20 August 2014 to carry out research work on a project titled 'Investigating the Prebiotic Potential of Cereals and Formulation of Dairy-Cereal based Synbiotic Functional Beverage with Therapeutic Properties' under the supervision of Dr. H. M. Rashmi and Dr. P. Narender Raju.

The specific objectives of this study were to investigate the growth, viability and activity of probiotic Lactobacillus plantrum (Lp9) in skim milk containing prebiotic substrates to assess the ability of whole grain oat substrates and honey to function as prebiotics; application of RSM (response surface methodology) technique for obtaining optimum composition model for the formulation of a synbiotic beverage with enhanced prebiotic properties which could deliver adequate numbers of live probiotics; and to study the survival ability of probiotics and quality characteristics of the product during refrigerated storage to use as an instrument in predicting the shelf-life of the product.

With elaborate experiments and trials, it was found that Lactobacillus plantarum 9 and Streptococcus thermophilus were a compatible co-culture to use as the probiotic and the starter culture in the production of milk based probiotic beverages. Probiotic Lp9 grew well both in oats as well as honey when used individually and this might be due to enrichment in nutrient contents from milk along with growth promoting fermentable carbohydrates like β-glucans from oats and complex mixture of oligosaccharides present in honey. With the increase of the amount of prebiotics in milk medium, fermentability increased resulting in higher probiotic counts, lower pH values and higher TA as % LA (titratable acidity as a percentage of lactic acid). From the two prebiotic substrates compared, oat was found to be the best prebiotic substrate compared to honey. Both substrates exhibited satisfactory prebiotic potential and could be used as prebiotics for the formulation of Synbiotic Beverage Base. Sensory scores gained by the beverage proved that the organoleptic properties of the beverage are highly satisfactory. Control storage study revealed that the shelf-life of the synbiotic beverage stored in high gas impermeable EVOH (ethylene-vinyl alcohol) material was up to 10 days and beverage stored in LDB material was only up to 6 days.

With the above results it could be concluded that the Lp9 is a suitable probiotic for the production of synbiotic beverages, and oat and honey are suitable prebiotics to use independently as well as simultaneously along with Lp9. Moreover high gas impermeable EVOH material is a suitable packaging material for storing probiotic beverages to safeguard the viability of probiotic organisms.

Participation of Centre's Scientists in Scientific Eventth st28 Nov. - 1 Dec. 2014 Mr. M. Bandyopadhyay, Senior Expert & Administrative Officer; and Ms. Parul Sehgal, Research Assistant attended the

International Workshop on 'Science, Technology & Innovation Policy Making for Developing Countries' in Kish Island, Iran and presented a paper titled 'Science, Technology and Innovation Policies in Emerging Economies: The Case of India

thas an Attractive Destination for Knowledge-Based Industries.' They also attended the Official Opening of the 4 thInternational and 8 National Conference on 'Management of Technology' held at Kish International Convention Centre.

(Contd. from Page 7 - RTF-DCS Completion Reports)Project

NAM S&T Centre October - December 2014

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Past Scientific Associates of NAM S&T Centre

thMs. Parul Sehgal joined the NAM S&T Centre on 9 April 2013 in the capacity of Research th

Assistant and continued till 10 December 2014. Her primary responsibilities included the implementation of the Centre's International Fellowship scheme titled 'Research Training Fellowship for Developing Country Scientists (RTF-DCS)' for 2013-14 and 2014-15, a Destination India programme sponsored by the Government of India, Department of Science and Technology (DST). She assisted in the organisation of the international workshops on 'Empowering Women in Developing Countries through Information and Communication Technologies' held at Jaypee University of Information Technology,

Waknaghat, Solan (HP), India in June 2013; on 'Nanotechnology (IWON): Transferring Nanotechnology Concept towards Business Perspectives' held in Serpong, Indonesia in October 2013; on 'Perspectives on Science & Technology Diplomacy for Sustainable Development in NAM and other Developing Countries' held at Manesar (Haryana), India in May 2014; and on 'Science, Technology & Innovation Policy Making in Developing Countries' held at Kish Island, Iran during 28 November – 01 December 2014. She published a paper titled “High Throughput Refolding and Purification of Recombinant Asparaginase from Inclusion Bodies of E. coli”; a paper titled 'Social Security of Women in Developing Countries by the Application of ICT' is currently under printing; a paper titled 'Transferring Nanotechnology Concept for Industrial Use: Applications of Nanotechnology for Agriculture, Food and Medicine' has been accepted for publication; and a review paper titled 'Science, Technology and Innovation Policies in Emerging Economies: The Case of India as an Attractive Destination for Knowledge-Based Industries' is under submission in the NAM S&T Centre edited books.

Ms. Parul Sehgal has now moved on to the position of a Project Scientific Officer C in the International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (ICTS), Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (IISc Campus), Bengaluru.

st thDr. Jibanananda Mishra worked in the NAM S&T Centre during 1 August 2002 to 30 October 2004 as its first scientific associate. He joined the Centre in the designation of Programme Associate after submitting his Ph.D. thesis in Radiation Biology. A biomedical scientist by training, Dr. Mishra proved as an excellent team member, who helped steer the Centre through many milestones that included successful implementation and execution of various scientific programmes, evaluation and assessment of projects, and fostering science by organising international conferences, workshops and symposia in various areas. In addition, he was responsible for bringing out various scientific publications of the

Centre. He also served as the editor of two valuable international publications of the Centre, viz. 'Developments in Drugs and Pharmaceutical Technology', ISBN 81-7035-330-0 and 'Pesticide Application Technology', ISBN 81-7035-379-3) and also Centre's quarterly Newsletter.

After completing his affiliation with the NAM S&T Centre, Dr. Mishra opted to pursue research at the National Institute of Immunology (NII), New Delhi as an Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Research Associate, where he worked on a very exciting area of cellular endocrinology that describes FSH and Testosterone mediated signal transductions to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying endocrine and paracrine interactions in testicular cells using genomics and proteomics approaches. Later, he joined the R&D Division of Biologics Development Center, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Hyderabad, India as a lead scientist, and thereafter in the R&D Division of Premas Biotech Pvt. Ltd, Gurgaon, India as a Project Leader. Dr. Mishra has significantly contributed towards the successful development of a number of biotherapeutics against various cancer and other diseases. Being passionate about cutting-edge translational research, Dr. Mishra was initially offered to work as a Visiting Scientist at Skagg's School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Denver, USA in a NIH funded project that describes assessment of drugs and delivery systems for treating neovascular disorders of the eye and cancer. He was also offered a Research Instructor (full-time faculty) position at Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Denver, USA to work on human subjects. Dr. Mishra's present research interest is broadly focused on understanding the mechanism of action of various environmental/occupational carcinogens and particulate matters, their mode of interactions with cellular and sub-cellular components that cause malignant transformations in human, identification of early and stable biomarkers, and further exploring the possibilities of prevention by discovering and evaluating novel therapeutics. Dr. Mishra is the author of numerous peer reviewed research articles and reviewer of high impact factor journals.

Ms. Parul Sehgal

Dr. Jibanananda Mishra

FOREWORD (H.E. Hilary Onek)

PREFACE (Estelle Trengove and Foster Chileshe Lubasi)

INTRODUCTION (Arun P. Kulshreshtha)

1. The Lightning Protection IEC 62305 International Standard

Christian Bouquegneau (Belgium)

2. Lightning Protection of Power Transmission Lines and Distribution TransformersBaboucarr Awe (Gambia)

3. Lightning Casualties Side-Flashed in BuildingRobert Jallan'go Akello (Kenya)

4. Implications of the Imbalance among Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice (KAP) concerning Lightning in MalawiGilbert Reginald Phiri (Malawi)

5. Protection against Lightning: Standards and ApplicationsHasbi Ismailoglu (Turkey)

6. Lightning Hazard Mitigation in UgandaAhurra Kulyaka Mary, Chandima Gomes and Richard Tushemereirwe (Uganda)

7. Kasese and Kisoro Non-Directional Beacon (NDB-436) Lightning ProtectionBarongo Ronny and Macho David (Uganda)

8. Are Lightning Injuries different in Developing Countries?Mary Ann Cooper (USA)

9. Country Status Paper on Lightning Protection in ZambiaFoster Chileshe Lubasi (Zambia)

10. Lightning in Zimbabwe: Statistics, Costs and ProtectionBeaula Chipoyera (Zimbabwe)

11. Lightning Incidents in ZimbabweJephias Mugumbate (Zimbabwe)

New PublicationLIGHTNING SCIENCE & LIGHTNING PROTECTION: SOME SELECTED TOPICS

Lightning is a natural hazard causing serious infrastructural losses and personal injuries and deaths in many parts of the world. Especially in South and East Asia, Africa and South America, the problem is quite acute due to the high occurrence density of lighting, the large population and the rapid and unplanned industrialisation. The lack of information in the NAM and other developing countries regarding the lightning related characteristics is one barrier that hinders the development of lightning protection systems. The other barrier is the poor knowledge among the engineering community on lightning and lightning protection, lack of awareness among the general public in lightning safety and medical aid to patients affected by lightning strikes.

This publication is a follow up of an African Regional Training Programme on Lightning Protection organised by the NAM S&T Centre in Kampala, Uganda during 4-8 February 2013 jointly with the State House, Uganda and various Ministries and agencies of the Government of the Republic of Uganda.The book includes 11 scientific and technical papers from the experts and professionals of nine countries and presents noteworthy insights on lightning protection and concerned management strategies. It would be useful for the lightning researchers, experts and practitioners in this field and

will help the developing countries in working out appropriate strategy, laws, policies and programmes for the protection of life and property from the dangers of lightning.

List of Contents

KUALA LUMPUR RESOLUTION

KUALA LUMPUR RESOLUTION

th14 Oct. 2014 Dr. A Subramanian, Former Scientist, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Satellite Centre (ISAC), Bangalore, India

th14 Oct. 2014 Dr. Finarya Legoh, Principal Engineer, Agency for Assessment and Application of Technology (BPPT), Indonesia and Mr. Menhariq Noor, Chief, Section for DG, ICT Application, Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, Indonesia

th17 Nov. 2014 Dr. H.V. Raghunandan, Deputy Director (Academics) and Mr. Syed Saleem, JSS University, Mysore, Indiath4 Dec. 2014 Mr Sanjeev Ranjan, MD and Mr. Baldev Mamtani, Senior Advisor, International Copper Association (ICA)

India, Mumbai, India

Visitors To The Centre

NAM S&T Centre October - December 2014

10

FOREWORD (Abiel Mngomezulu) PREFACE (Awni Al-Otoom and Mohammad Al-Harahsheh)INTRODUCTION (Arun P. Kulshreshtha)

PART I – TRADE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. The Status of The Gambia's Mining Industry: Processing and Beneficiation, Alieu Jawo (Gambia)

2. Instrumental Analysis and Classification of Ekon Kaolin, K. Akufo-Kumi, H. A. Obiri, G. N. Laryea and W. O. Oduro (Ghana)

3. Initiatives by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission to improve Mineral Recovery, and Increase Profitability in the Local Mining Sector: A Status Update, Dianne McDonald (Guyana)

4. An Application for Java Natural Silicates Mineral and Recycled Amorphous Silica and its Beneficiation for Production of Advanced Material and Pharmaceutical Raw Materials, Eko Tri Sumarnadi Agustinus, Happy Sembiring, Mutia Dewi Yuniati, Effendi and Anggoro Tri Mursito (Indonesia)

5. The Minerals of Jordanian Oil Shale: Characterization and Beneficiation, Awni Y. Al-Otoom (Jordan)

6. Overview of Mineral Processing and Beneficiation in Kenya, T. W. Githinji, C.M.Nyamai and A.W. Kutukhulu (Kenya)

7. Bench Scale Feldspar Flotation for Malaysian Pegmatite Ore using Non Hydrofluoric Modifier and Mixed Collector, Ismail Ibrahim and Md. Muzayin Alimon (Malaysia)

8. Challenges of Mining and Processing Brine in Nigeria, E. C. Nwokemodo, M. O. Omojola and A. P. Onwualu (Nigeria)

9. Challenges of Mining, Processing and Beneficiation of Columbite in Nigeria, Elizabeth O. Wuyep, Moses O. Omojola, Peter A. Onwualu and Kehinde Ogunmola (Nigeria)

10. Mineral Beneficiation and Value Addition: Tanzania Perspective, Hamis M. Komba and Elias M. Kayandabila (Tanzania)

11. Processing Uganda's Mineral Resources 2012, William Balu-Tabaaro (Uganda)

12. Manufacture of Industry Spares from Copper Based Alloys: Development and Status in Zambia. C. V. Lungu (Zambia)

13. Bioleaching in Mineral Processing and Beneficiation, Isha Sehgal (India)

PART II – POLICIES AND STRATEGIES

14. The Mineral Industry of Egypt, Ahmed Yehia (Egypt)

15. Exploration and Potential Exploitation of Deep Sea Minerals in the EEZ and ECS of Mauritius, Kishore Boodhoo and Roshan T. Ramessur (Mauritius)

16. Geological Resource Potential of Vietnam and Current Mining Practices: An Overview, Tran Thanh Hai (Vietnam)

17. Zimbabwe Proposes to host a Pan-African Minerals University of Science and Technology (PAMUST), Francis P. Gudyanga (Zimbabwe)

New PublicationMINERALS PROCESSING & BENEFICIATION

Minerals processing and beneficiation is an area of immense potential and growth for all the nations worldwide especially those which are endowed with nature's blessings in the form of abundant mineral resources. It is of great economic relevance to the mining industry and the countries as a whole. The increasing demand for minerals is likely to increase the growth of infrastructure with rapid industrialisation and exploitation of minerals. Unfortunately, these resources are not fully exploited in developing countries due to the lack of advanced skills, modern and innovative research and technology and the new world trade regime. Many minerals are still exported as ores, concentrates or metals, without significant downstream processing or value addition.

This publication is a follow up of the international workshop on 'Minerals Processing and Beneficiation' organised at Johannesburg, South Africa during 25-27 September 2012 by the NAM S&T Centre jointly with the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Republic of South Africa with participation of several policy makers, scientists, technologists, academics and industry professionals and includes 17 scientific and technical papers from the researchers and experts of 16 countries presenting noteworthy insights on the issues related to Mineral Sector to unravel its wide range of possibilities so as to provide a more sustainable foundation for the developing world's transition from a resource enriched condition to an industrial economy.

It is hoped that the book will serve as a useful reference material for investors in mining sector, technologists and policy makers that will help the developing countries in working out appropriate strategy, policies and programmes on the exploitation of new technologies on mineral processing and beneficiation for a better industrial economy.

List of Contents

NAM S&T Centre October - December 2014

11

ASEAN: Public-Private Partnership Framework

The importance of infrastructure development and connectivity thin ASEAN was highlighted by the ASEAN Leaders at their 25

thSummit Meeting in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar on 12 November 2014, when they welcomed a set of ASEAN Principles for Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Frameworks. The ASEAN Principles are expected to provide ASEAN governments with guidance on how to implement effective PPP frameworks to create a predictable and efficient PPP environment for infrastructure investment and to address issues related to cross-border regional infrastructure projects. PPPs are seen to be beneficial in meeting ASEAN infrastructure needs, estimated by the Asian Development Bank at US$60 billion per annum.

thSource: ICPE Newsletter No. 67, 12 November 2014

Barbados: CDEMA unveils New Online CDM Monitoring and Evaluation Tool

The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) continues to strengthen its Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) systems for disaster risk reduction projects and programmes in the region. Recognising the important role of technology in supporting robust M&E systems, the agency has developed a computerised information tool for capturing and analysing performance data of the regional Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM) Strategy 2014-2024. This CDM Monitor was unveiled in Barbados at a recent stakeholder session with participants representing the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), UN Women, National Disaster Offices of CDEMA Participating States and the CDEMA Coordinating Unit. The web-based application assists in the area of planning and facilitates monitoring at various levels: strategic, programme, sub-programme/project, yearly work plan and annual budget. Performance information generated can then be used for decision-making by senior officials and technical project/programme staff. The CDM Monitor was developed by the Institute for Development in Economics and Administration (IDEA), as part of a wider consultancy aimed at strengthening the Monitoring and Evaluation capacity across the CDEMA system, sponsored through the Comprehensive Disaster Management - Harmonized Implementation Programme (CDM-HIP) with funding support from the United Kingdom's Department for International Development (DFID), Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (DFATD) and Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

Source: CARDI Agriculture in the News, 5-11 October 2014

Bhutan: National Portal for Geospatial Data

The National Geospatial Portal, which will serve as a gateway for users across Bhutan to discover, access, and share geospatial data and information for Bhutan, was launched in Thimphu on

th13 October 2014 during the Bhutan GIS Expo jointly organised by the National Land Commission (NLC) of Bhutan and the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD). The Portal, a free access site, will act as one-stop data shop for users. With the Portal in place, users will be able to access data related to Bhutan without having to visit individual agencies. The Portal takes Bhutan a step closer toward fulfilling its vision of building a coordinated national data infrastructure. Initiated by the NLC and Centre for GIS Coordination, the Portal was built with support from ICIMOD under the framework of the SERVIR-Himalaya Initiative. The global

12

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY NEWS IN THE DEVELOPING WORLD

(Contd. on Page 13)

SERVIR programme, jointly supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), integrates science and technology into development programmes. SERVIR-Himalaya is implemented by ICIMOD. Geo-information will encourage the use of technology in addressing the challenges brought about by climate change, especially in reducing the impact of natural disasters. Following the launch of the Portal, an exposition showcased various GIS products and services applicable in Bhutan from different national and international agencies. The event successfully raised awareness and interest on the importance of geospatial information and information sharing.

Source: Coordinates, November 2014

Brazil: Improved Production of Sugar and Ethanol by Yeast without burning Sugarcane

The gradual replacement of manual sugarcane harvest in São Paulo by mechanised methods brings environmental benefits but also new challenges for the sugar and ethanol industrial production process. This is because the sugarcane, which was once burned, now arrives at the plant raw, with needles, leaves, and soil. These plant and mineral impurities that contaminate the sugarcane are harmful to fermentation. For effective fermentation, some yeast is needed that not only tolerates impurities but also suppresses wild yeast that is present in the raw sugarcane. This is one of the characteristics of personalised and selected yeasts, which guarantee more suitable fermentation with higher yield. Yeasts transform sugarcane, which is a solid, into fuel alcohol, which is a liquid. In order to conduct the process more effectively, yeasts need to be suited to each medium. Yeast that is adapted to the changes in the sugar and ethanol industrial production process, that is the mandatory replacement of manual harvest by mechanised methods in the state of São Paulo, increases yield and reduces losses during fermentation compared to traditional yeast. The yeast, which goes by the commercial name Fermel, was selected by Fermentec, an industrial technology company located in Piracicaba (SP) that specialises in alcohol fermentation, on the basis of studies that were developed with support from the FAPESP Technological Innovation in Small Business Program (PIPE). The purpose of the study was to obtain an industrial yeast that is better adapted to the new sugarcane harvest characteristics specified in the 2007 Agro-environmental Protocol of the Sugar and Ethanol Sector, which prohibits burning. Derived from PE-2, the yeast that has been used in ethanol fermentation in Brazil since the 1990s, Fermel presents high tolerance to the new industrial processing conditions, say the producers. Fermel reduces the possibility that wild yeasts will invade the process. Wild yeasts are responsible for problems such as the formation of foam, which takes up space in the tanks, and flocculation, which complicates fermentation. The development of Fermel involved the use of karyotyping techniques and the analysis of yeast mitochondrial DNA. In karyotyping, yeasts are cultivated to form small colonies from which intact chromosomes containing genetic material are extracted. These chromosomes are then separated in an electric field. Variations in the size and number of chromosomes function as 'fingerprints' that allow the identification of selected yeasts and their differentiation from wild contaminants. During mitochondrial DNA analysis, small DNA molecules are extracted from the mitochondria of the yeasts and cut at specific points. The fragments are then separated in an electric field, and the profile is used to identify the yeast, as if it were a barcode. These analyses allow the selection of yeasts that are best suited to the industrial

NAM S&T Centre October - December 2014

13

environment. Fermel was shown to be highly efficient in high-alcohol-content, molasses-rich wort, and in addition it dominates yeast populations, reducing the chances that contamination will occur during fermentation.

The industry works with very large volumes, and it is difficult to eliminate these microorganisms, which can be wild yeasts or even bacteria. They manage to get into the fermentation and compete with the selected, good yeast. When the good yeasts are more resistant and adapted to that industrial fermentation condition, their population displaces less-robust yeast. Fermel is significantly more resistant and dominates the fermentation environment. Contamination from wild yeast causes a series of problems for industry, such as excess unfermented sugar, resulting in reductions in yield. It is a matter of wasted potential. That is why it is important to have robust yeast that can reduce contamination problems and be good at fermenting so there is no leftover sugar, thus allowing a better outcome for the ethanol plant, especially now that burning has been eliminated.

thSource: Agencia FAPESP Newsletter, 15 October 2014

Chile: New Plant-Based Technology for Mining Waste

Researchers from the University of Santiago De Chile have deve loped a p lan t -based technology known as 'phytostabilization'" to combat the effects of contaminants produced from mining production processes. Phytostabilization reduces the mobility of heavy metals in soil by growing metal-tolerant plants that can retain contaminants in mine waste. The roots of the plants absorb waste particles from mining production and eliminate the spread of waste particles by wind, which could affect certain ecosystems and human health. The biotechnology is already being applied at some state-owned Chilean mines, and is being evaluated in mine sites in Bolivia, Colombia, and Canada.

ndSource: Crop Biotech Update, 22 October 2014

China: Fundamental Overhaul of China’s Competitive Funding

thOn 20 October 2014 the Chinese government announced the passage of a reform plan that will fundamentally reshape research in the country. By 2017, the main competitive government funding initiatives will be eliminated. This includes the '863' and '973' programmes, two channels for large grants that have been at the heart of modern China's development of science and technology infrastructure since being established in 1986 and 1997, respectively. The government announcement noted that wastefulness and fragmented management has led to overlaps and inefficient use of funds for science and technology, and the need for a unified platform for distributing grants. As new funding programmes have been added over the years, competitive funding has become divided among some 100 competitive schemes overseen by about 30 different governmental departments. Although efforts to reorganise science in China are already underway, the latest reform will be comprehensive. Science and technology spending by the central government was 77.4 billion yuan renminbi (US$12.6 billion) in 2006 but jumped to 236 billion yuan renminbi in 2013, 11.6% of the central government's direct public expenditure. Some 60% of this is competitive funding, and subject to change under the new reforms. To maintain stability, the overhaul will not affect the remaining 40%, which covers operation costs for research institutes and key state laboratories. The new plan, jointly drafted by the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Finance will reorganise competitive funding into five new channels: the National Natural Science Foundation (which currently distributes many of the small-scale competitive grants); national science and technology major

projects; key national research and development programmes; a special fund to guide technological innovation; and special projects for developing human resources and infrastructure. These five will be managed under a new science and technology agency that will unify planning and assessment of scientific projects.

thSource: Nature News, 14 November 2014

Egypt: Innovative Method for Mosquito Control

Egyptian researchers from the German University in Cairo have found a new method of mosquito control which involves sprinkling powdered plant extracts on swampy mosquito nurseries. The technique involves adding a derivative of the plant pigment chlorophyll to wetlands infested with the aquatic larvae of mosquitoes. Chlorophyll is extracted from green plants and is transformed into a powder which is sprinkled in places where the larvae are found. The larvae climb to the surface of the water for oxygen. Then they feed on the powder, which has been manufactured to float on the surface. In plants, chlorophyll absorbs sunlight and passes on its energy so that plants can build their sugary fuels from carbon dioxide. But in its powdered form, the chlorophyll instead transfers the sun's energy to dissolved oxygen inside the larvae. The resulting form of oxygen is unstable and so reacts with the cells' components, damaging them and ultimately killing the larvae. The powder is effective for 21 days and the extraction process itself is not expensive at all. In field experiments in the wetlands of Ethiopia, Sudan and Uganda that are full of malaria-transmitting mosquitoes, the technique killed between 85 to 100 per cent of larvae, according to a poster summary published in Malaria Journal in 2012. As well as the Anopheles mosquitoes that are a vector for malaria, the technique kills the Aedes mosquitos which pass on dengue fever. And it kills the Culex mosquito, which transmits parasitic worms that cause a disease called filariasis. It is a natural method that causes no environmental damage. For instance, the Uganda experiments showed no effect on the natural predators such as dragonfly larvae that feed on mosquito larvae. The Egyptian researchers have set up a company, called InRaD (Innovative Research and Development), to develop the method and have recently signed an agreement with South Sudan's government to implement the technique there. They also had requests from Somalia's health ministry to do the same.

thSource: SciDev.Net Update, 10 November 2014

India: Graphene Oxide Nanosheets from Seaweed

Using the sap extracted from seaweed, researchers from CSIR-Central Salt & Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSMCRI), Bhavnagar have partially reduced graphene oxide to produce nanosheets that could be used to make electronic devices such as sensors, fuel cells and solar cells. The prevalent technique to produce graphene oxide sheets suffers from problems such as toxicity and possible contamination of graphene. With a view to devising an eco-friendly way of producing graphene oxide, the researchers prepared various saps. They produced a pinkish one (sap 1) by crushing whole plants of the red seaweed Kappaphycus alvarezii. To make other variations they treated this sap with charcoal (sap 2) and heated and freeze-dried it (sap 3). They tested how effectively solutions of these saps reduced separately synthesised graphene oxide to nanosheets and found that saps 1 and 3 partially reduced graphene oxide to nanosheets as a result of a synergy between metal salts and organic compounds known as flavonals. These graphene sheets could be used to prepare high-tensile materials and devices for biomedical applications, as they are not harmful to living cells.

thSource: Nature India, 17 December 2014

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India: Hydrogel to print Bone Tissue

Bioprinting is an emerging technique that employs bioinks to print the exact three-dimensional shapes of human tissues. However, current bioinks tend to be unstable and hence unable to replicate the exact three-dimensional shapes of specific tissues. Indian researchers from the Department of Textile Technology and the Centre for Biomedical Engineering of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), New Delhi jointly with South Korean researchers have synthesised a silk-protein-based hydrogel that can be used as a bioink for printing three-dimensional tissues such as cartilage, which can replace the damaged cartilage of osteoarthritis sufferers. To produce a stable bioink that can print three-dimensional tissues and support their growth, the researchers synthesised a hydrogel by mixing gelatin with the silk protein fibroin. They then prepared two bioinks - one by adding an enzyme derived from mushrooms and the other by agitating the hydrogel with sound waves. They assessed the efficacies of the two bioinks in printing mesenchymal stromal (stem) cells derived from human nasal inferior turbinate tissue and compared them with that of an alginate-based bioink. Using a specially designed printer, the researchers deposited the bioinks loaded with the human stem cells through a nozzle in a layer-by-layer manner. Of the three bioinks, the enzyme-based one had the longest stability time of one month, during which time the bioink kept the human stem cells alive. This long-term survival of the human stem cells in the enzyme-based bioink suggests that this bioink could be used for tissue regeneration. Human stem cells can differentiate into different types of cells. By analysing tissue-specific marker genes, the researchers found that the stem cells in the enzyme-based bioink retained their ability to grow into cartilage, bone or fat tissue. Currently, the researchers are probing the efficiencies of the bioink to deposit monolayer of corneal cells and developing a cartilage-damaging disease model for screening potential drugs.

thSource: Nature India, 25 November 2014

Indonesia: Launch of Open Data Portal, A Potential Source for National Empowerment

thOn 5 September 2014 the Indonesian government officially launched its open data portal beginning with 700 datasets from 24 agencies. This site is a one stop solution for the public to find data about Indonesia. Data will be provided not just by the government, but also CSOs (Civic Society Organization), academics, and the private sector, and the launch of open data portal will hopefully take Indonesia to the next level of accountability, whereby public initiatives will serve as a government watchdog. Currently in beta, the data.id portal has a clean interface with a prominent search bar on the homepage and will later become data.go.id. The portal features a 'Community' section where visitors can suggest open datasets that they would like to see on the portal or subscribe to a mailing list to stay connected with the open data community. To benefit users without data skills, the portal also offers visualisations made using open data sets. The portal is part of government's larger open government movement and aims to integrate all government maps and public service competitions. This and various other open government initiatives are led by the Open Government Indonesia team consisting of representatives from ministries, central government agencies and NGOs. This initiative shows that Indonesia is on the way to becoming more 'open' to the public which is a sign of a brighter future ahead for this country.

thSource: Geospatialworld, 8 September 2014

Kenya: Seed Development Programme launched in Africa

A seed development programme was launched in Kenya to support the advancement of vibrant, market-oriented and diverse

seed sector in Africa. The Integrated Seed Sector Development (ISSD Africa) approach would address the challenges of access to quality seed, which affects agricultural productivity, income and resilience among smallholder farmers. The ISSD Africa approach is an endorsement by the African Union (AU) Commission as part of the African Seed and Biotechnology Programme and the seed agenda of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP). ISSD Africa is supported by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Dutch Government. In the initial phase of the five-year program, ISSD Africa would work with the current seed initiatives implemented in 8 to 10 African countries to explore how seed sectors could be integrated at local and national levels. One of the expected outcomes of the program is to build a network of experts, seed program and related organisations, and encourage those working in the sector to learn and collaborate with each other.

stSource: Crop Biotech Update, 1 October 2014

Maldives: Floating Homes to tackle Overcrowding The Maldives, one of the most densely populated nations in the world, has embarked on a series of floating developments that could take the pressure off a severe housing shortage and counter sea-level rises owing to climate change. The firm behind the project is also proposing to build cheaper floating platforms, made largely from plastic bottles, to house schools and essential services in the aftermath of floods elsewhere in the developing world. The first initiative, The 5 Lagoons Project, is a joint project between the Maldivian government and Netherlands' Company Dutch Docklands. Located near the capital, Malé, it is aimed at tourists, but there are plans to develop affordable floating homes for citizens in future. The first construction phase comprising 185 luxury villas began four months ago, with completion expected in July 2016. Later phases include floating private islands, a golf course with artificial turf, and a hotel and convention centre that could attract climate-change conferences. The structures float on concrete and styrofoam foundations, anchored to the seabed with cables or telescopic mooring piles, tube-like structures that can extend up and down with changing sea levels. Total investment for the project, which is backed by private investors, could be more than US$1 billion. In 2013 the Maldives had 1,150 people per square kilometre; Bangladesh is the only other developing country to pack in people more closely. And the nation's population is expected to increase from 355,000 in 2012 to 555,000 in 2050, according to the figures produced by the UN. Dutch Docklands is working on similar floating technology that could be used to provide safe, useable space near slums threatened by flooding in Dhaka, Jakarta and Manila. These platforms are made of thousands of plastic bottles held together with scaffolding, and could be used to provide services during floods, such as schools and power generators. One such platform is due to be sent to Jakarta from the Netherlands in mid-December, equipped with internet facilities for education purposes.

thSource: SciDev.Net Update, 17 November 2014Mexico: World's First ZERO-WATER Factory

Water is an essential resource for life and food production and it is important to reduce water use in production operations. Nestlé Mexico has inaugurated the world's first ZERO-WATER factory, which will operate without the extraction of groundwater. The manufacturing facility, located in Lagos de Moreno in Jalisco, will consume only recycled process water from the powdered milk production process. The water extracted from fresh milk during the evaporation process is filtered and purified in order to obtain drinking water. This is reused for production processes before undergoing further

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DISTINGUISHED VISITORS TO THE CENTRE

Dr. Finarya Legoh, Principal Engineer, Agency for Assessment and Application of rdTechnology (BPPT), Indonesia (3 from L) and Mr. Menhariq Noor, Chief, Section

for DG, ICT Application, Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, Indonesia (R)

Dr. A Subramanian, Former Scientist, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Satellite Centre (ISAC), Bangalore, India

Mr Sanjeev Ranjan, MD (R) and Mr. Baldev Mamtani, Senior Advisor (L), International Copper Association (ICA) India, Mumbai, India

rdDr. H.V. Raghunandan, Deputy Director (Academics) (3 from L) and Mr. Syed Saleem (L), JSS University, Mysore, India

treatment and once again being reused for the irrigation of gardens and cleaning. With an investment of around US$15 million, zero water consumption at the Lagos de Moreno factory means that Nestlé will reduce its total annual water consumption in Mexico by 15% and will no longer require the 1.6 million litres of water per day previously taken from the municipal supply system. When the ZERO-WATER factory goes into operation, Nestlé will, on a daily basis, cease to consume a quantity of water equivalent to that required to fill an Olympic swimming pool, thereby saving sufficient groundwater to meet the average daily consumption of 6,400 people. This initiative is part of Nestlé's global water stewardship as embodied in the following five W.A.T.E.R commitments:

Ø Work to achieve water efficiency across Nestlé operations

Ø Advocate for effective water policies and stewardship

Ø Treat effectively water discharged by the company

Ø Engage with suppliers, especially those in agriculture

Ø Raise awareness of water access and conservation

thSource: futurENVIRO, 12 November 2014

OBITUARYMr. Kailash Nath Johry, who served as the

stDirector of the NAM S&T Centre during 1 March th1992 until 30 June 2002, passed away on

December 20, 2014 in Chandigarh, India. He was instrumental in locating the Centre at its present premises in India Habitat Centre in New Delhi and nurturing it in the foundation stages.

Mr. Johry was born on January 8, 1933. After obtaining M.Sc. in Inorganic Chemistry. He spent six years on research in Complex (Inorganic) Compounds at the University of Lucknow, India and later in Defence Science Organisation. In 1958 he joined the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) of India. In 1966, he was appointed Science Attaché at the Indian High Commission in London. On his return to India in 1971, he joined the newly set up Department of Science and Technology (DST) of the Government of India and after two years, went back to the CSIR as Head of the International Scientific Collaboration. Mr. Johry, a Fellow of the Chemical Society and Society of Information Sciences, had 29 publications to his credit. He was the Executive Secretary of the Association for Science Cooperation in Asia (ASCA), Member for Asia on the Executive of World Association of Scientific and Technological Research Organisation (WAITRO) during 1982-86 and President of the Society for Information Science during 1984-86.

The NAM S&T Centre family offers heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of Mr. Johry.

EDITORS: Mr. M. Bandyopadhyay and Dr. Kavita Mehra v ASSISTANT EDITORS: Ms. Parul Sehgal, Mr. Alok Dwivedi, Ms. Shania Tahir and Ms. Radhika TandonCOMPILATION & DESIGN: Mr. Pankaj Buttan v PUBLISHED BY: Prof. Arun P. Kulshreshtha, Director General, Centre for Science & Technology of the

nd Non-Aligned and Other Developing Countries (NAM S&T Centre), Core 6A, 2 Floor, India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003 (India) Ph: +91-11-24645134, 24644974, Fax: +91-11-24644973 E-mail: namstcentre@gmail.com, namstct@bol.net.in v Website: http://www.namstct.org

Lovely Printers, New Delhi, E-mail: lovely_printers@yahoo.com; Ph: 9811086866.

Centre AnnouncesCentre Announces

A large section of the population in developing countries relies on traditional practitioners and herbal medicines for their primary care. However, during the past two decades public interest in natural therapies has greatly increased even in industrialised nations with expanding use of ethno botanicals. At the same time, the general lack of research, growing concern by stakeholders vis-à-vis the demands for patenting rights, evidence of safety, efficacy, good quality traditional medicines and a range of other ethical issues coupled with the need for integration and maximisation of their potential as a source of healthcare are some of the pressing challenges that must be tackled for acceptable use of traditional and alternative medicines in modern therapeutics.

There are several opportunities for drug discovery in case of natural products, which are vast in nature with variety of pharmacological actions like digestives and purgative to anticancer properties. The biggest challenge in this field is for identification of the constituents and standardisation of the same. Evidence for

the potential protective effects of selected herbs is generally based on experiments demonstrating a biological activity in relevant in vitro bioassay or experiments using animal models. In some cases, this is supported by both epidemiological studies and a limited number of intervention experiments in humans. However, the logistics, time and cost of performing large, controlled human studies on the clinical effectiveness of an herb are prohibitive, especially if the focus is on health promotion. There is an urgent need to develop new biomarkers that more clearly relate to health (and disease) outcomes, including predictor biomarkers and subtle but detectable signs of early cellular change that are mapped to the onset of specific diseases. Research is needed also to meet the challenges of identifying the active compounds in the plants. Advances in rapid genetic sequencing, coupled with manipulation of biosynthetic pathways, may provide a vast resource for the future discovery of pharmaceutical agents.

In order to discuss the above issues and provide a platform for sharing of views and country experiences among the participants and to explore the possibilities for collaborative efforts, the Centre for Science & Technology of the Non-Aligned and Other Developing Countries (NAM S&T Centre), jointly with the JSS University, Mysore, India, announces the organisation of an International Training Workshop on 'Herbal Medicine: Drug Discovery from Herbs - Approaches, Innovations and Applications' during

th rd30 March – 3 April 2015 in Mysore (Karnataka) and Ooty (Tamilnadu), India.

The Training Workshop has been designed for scientists, academicians, industry professionals, research scholars and PG students who are interested in the areas of drug discovery and herbal medicines. This event will be instrumental in bringing together the experts on Natural Products to take an inventory of the major herbal medicines. Experts and scientists desirous of participating in the Workshop, except those from India, are required to submit their filled-in nomination form to the NAM S&T Centre as early as

rdpossible, but latest by Monday, 23 February 2015. Applicants from India should submit their requests directly to the JSS University, Karnataka, India.

For further details, please see the website of the NAM S&T Centre: www.namstct.org.

HERBAL MEDICINE:

DRUG DISCOVERY FROM HERBS - APPROACHES, INNOVATIONS AND APPLICATIONS

International onTraining Workshop

Mysore/Ooty, Karnataka, India th rd 30 March – 3 April 2015

NAM S&T Centre October - December 2014