This document outlines the objectives, structure, and progress of a project to improve governance of transboundary aquifers. The project aims to enhance cooperation and water security for three aquifers: the Trifinio Aquifer between El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras; the Pretashkent Aquifer between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan; and the Stampriet Aquifer between Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. The project will assess the aquifers, strengthen country cooperation, and develop long-term management strategies through a two-component approach of building scientific understanding and reaching agreements on governance.
This presentation was given at the Catchment Management Network meeting on February 3rd 2017. The Catchment Management Network consists of the EPA, all of Ireland's Local Authorities, and other public bodies involved in looking after Ireland's catchments, sub-catchments and water bodies. For more information about this work see www.catchments.ie
This presentation was given at the Catchment Management Network meeting on February 3rd 2017. The Catchment Management Network consists of the EPA, all of Ireland's Local Authorities, and other public bodies involved in looking after Ireland's catchments, sub-catchments and water bodies. For more information about this work see www.catchments.ie
Presentation given by Joakim Harlin at the International Conference on IWRM in Tokyo - December 2004
1) The Pungwe River Basin IWRM project
2) Reflections on typical issues, constraints and needs
The two countries in southern Africa have classic configuration of being located in transboundary basins. There are many similarities as regards their interdependence on riparians. The presentation summarises possible complementarity and consistency in transboundary water management. The findings are based on almost 30 months of work in the region.
Sustainable Management of the Nexus in Transboundary Systems DAFNE project
The presentation took place at the Resource Nexus Policy & Cluster Workshop on 27th November 2018 in Brussels that was organized by DAFNE, SIM4NEXUS and MAGIC at EASME premises. Read more about the workshop here: https://dafne.ethz.ch/2018/12/11/resource-nexus-policy-cluster-workshop-27th-november-brussels/
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OF THE RIO DE LA PLATA AND ITS MARITIME FRONT.pptIwl Pcu
The task of both commissions is to adopt and coordinate plans and measures aimed at protecting the aquatic environments and their fauna, promoting research.
Cancer cell metabolism: special Reference to Lactate PathwayAADYARAJPANDEY1
Normal Cell Metabolism:
Cellular respiration describes the series of steps that cells use to break down sugar and other chemicals to get the energy we need to function.
Energy is stored in the bonds of glucose and when glucose is broken down, much of that energy is released.
Cell utilize energy in the form of ATP.
The first step of respiration is called glycolysis. In a series of steps, glycolysis breaks glucose into two smaller molecules - a chemical called pyruvate. A small amount of ATP is formed during this process.
Most healthy cells continue the breakdown in a second process, called the Kreb's cycle. The Kreb's cycle allows cells to “burn” the pyruvates made in glycolysis to get more ATP.
The last step in the breakdown of glucose is called oxidative phosphorylation (Ox-Phos).
It takes place in specialized cell structures called mitochondria. This process produces a large amount of ATP. Importantly, cells need oxygen to complete oxidative phosphorylation.
If a cell completes only glycolysis, only 2 molecules of ATP are made per glucose. However, if the cell completes the entire respiration process (glycolysis - Kreb's - oxidative phosphorylation), about 36 molecules of ATP are created, giving it much more energy to use.
IN CANCER CELL:
Unlike healthy cells that "burn" the entire molecule of sugar to capture a large amount of energy as ATP, cancer cells are wasteful.
Cancer cells only partially break down sugar molecules. They overuse the first step of respiration, glycolysis. They frequently do not complete the second step, oxidative phosphorylation.
This results in only 2 molecules of ATP per each glucose molecule instead of the 36 or so ATPs healthy cells gain. As a result, cancer cells need to use a lot more sugar molecules to get enough energy to survive.
Unlike healthy cells that "burn" the entire molecule of sugar to capture a large amount of energy as ATP, cancer cells are wasteful.
Cancer cells only partially break down sugar molecules. They overuse the first step of respiration, glycolysis. They frequently do not complete the second step, oxidative phosphorylation.
This results in only 2 molecules of ATP per each glucose molecule instead of the 36 or so ATPs healthy cells gain. As a result, cancer cells need to use a lot more sugar molecules to get enough energy to survive.
introduction to WARBERG PHENOMENA:
WARBURG EFFECT Usually, cancer cells are highly glycolytic (glucose addiction) and take up more glucose than do normal cells from outside.
Otto Heinrich Warburg (; 8 October 1883 – 1 August 1970) In 1931 was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology for his "discovery of the nature and mode of action of the respiratory enzyme.
WARNBURG EFFECT : cancer cells under aerobic (well-oxygenated) conditions to metabolize glucose to lactate (aerobic glycolysis) is known as the Warburg effect. Warburg made the observation that tumor slices consume glucose and secrete lactate at a higher rate than normal tissues.
THE IMPORTANCE OF MARTIAN ATMOSPHERE SAMPLE RETURN.Sérgio Sacani
The return of a sample of near-surface atmosphere from Mars would facilitate answers to several first-order science questions surrounding the formation and evolution of the planet. One of the important aspects of terrestrial planet formation in general is the role that primary atmospheres played in influencing the chemistry and structure of the planets and their antecedents. Studies of the martian atmosphere can be used to investigate the role of a primary atmosphere in its history. Atmosphere samples would also inform our understanding of the near-surface chemistry of the planet, and ultimately the prospects for life. High-precision isotopic analyses of constituent gases are needed to address these questions, requiring that the analyses are made on returned samples rather than in situ.
Nutraceutical market, scope and growth: Herbal drug technologyLokesh Patil
As consumer awareness of health and wellness rises, the nutraceutical market—which includes goods like functional meals, drinks, and dietary supplements that provide health advantages beyond basic nutrition—is growing significantly. As healthcare expenses rise, the population ages, and people want natural and preventative health solutions more and more, this industry is increasing quickly. Further driving market expansion are product formulation innovations and the use of cutting-edge technology for customized nutrition. With its worldwide reach, the nutraceutical industry is expected to keep growing and provide significant chances for research and investment in a number of categories, including vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and herbal supplements.
Introduction:
RNA interference (RNAi) or Post-Transcriptional Gene Silencing (PTGS) is an important biological process for modulating eukaryotic gene expression.
It is highly conserved process of posttranscriptional gene silencing by which double stranded RNA (dsRNA) causes sequence-specific degradation of mRNA sequences.
dsRNA-induced gene silencing (RNAi) is reported in a wide range of eukaryotes ranging from worms, insects, mammals and plants.
This process mediates resistance to both endogenous parasitic and exogenous pathogenic nucleic acids, and regulates the expression of protein-coding genes.
What are small ncRNAs?
micro RNA (miRNA)
short interfering RNA (siRNA)
Properties of small non-coding RNA:
Involved in silencing mRNA transcripts.
Called “small” because they are usually only about 21-24 nucleotides long.
Synthesized by first cutting up longer precursor sequences (like the 61nt one that Lee discovered).
Silence an mRNA by base pairing with some sequence on the mRNA.
Discovery of siRNA?
The first small RNA:
In 1993 Rosalind Lee (Victor Ambros lab) was studying a non- coding gene in C. elegans, lin-4, that was involved in silencing of another gene, lin-14, at the appropriate time in the
development of the worm C. elegans.
Two small transcripts of lin-4 (22nt and 61nt) were found to be complementary to a sequence in the 3' UTR of lin-14.
Because lin-4 encoded no protein, she deduced that it must be these transcripts that are causing the silencing by RNA-RNA interactions.
Types of RNAi ( non coding RNA)
MiRNA
Length (23-25 nt)
Trans acting
Binds with target MRNA in mismatch
Translation inhibition
Si RNA
Length 21 nt.
Cis acting
Bind with target Mrna in perfect complementary sequence
Piwi-RNA
Length ; 25 to 36 nt.
Expressed in Germ Cells
Regulates trnasposomes activity
MECHANISM OF RNAI:
First the double-stranded RNA teams up with a protein complex named Dicer, which cuts the long RNA into short pieces.
Then another protein complex called RISC (RNA-induced silencing complex) discards one of the two RNA strands.
The RISC-docked, single-stranded RNA then pairs with the homologous mRNA and destroys it.
THE RISC COMPLEX:
RISC is large(>500kD) RNA multi- protein Binding complex which triggers MRNA degradation in response to MRNA
Unwinding of double stranded Si RNA by ATP independent Helicase
Active component of RISC is Ago proteins( ENDONUCLEASE) which cleave target MRNA.
DICER: endonuclease (RNase Family III)
Argonaute: Central Component of the RNA-Induced Silencing Complex (RISC)
One strand of the dsRNA produced by Dicer is retained in the RISC complex in association with Argonaute
ARGONAUTE PROTEIN :
1.PAZ(PIWI/Argonaute/ Zwille)- Recognition of target MRNA
2.PIWI (p-element induced wimpy Testis)- breaks Phosphodiester bond of mRNA.)RNAse H activity.
MiRNA:
The Double-stranded RNAs are naturally produced in eukaryotic cells during development, and they have a key role in regulating gene expression .
This presentation explores a brief idea about the structural and functional attributes of nucleotides, the structure and function of genetic materials along with the impact of UV rays and pH upon them.
(May 29th, 2024) Advancements in Intravital Microscopy- Insights for Preclini...Scintica Instrumentation
Intravital microscopy (IVM) is a powerful tool utilized to study cellular behavior over time and space in vivo. Much of our understanding of cell biology has been accomplished using various in vitro and ex vivo methods; however, these studies do not necessarily reflect the natural dynamics of biological processes. Unlike traditional cell culture or fixed tissue imaging, IVM allows for the ultra-fast high-resolution imaging of cellular processes over time and space and were studied in its natural environment. Real-time visualization of biological processes in the context of an intact organism helps maintain physiological relevance and provide insights into the progression of disease, response to treatments or developmental processes.
In this webinar we give an overview of advanced applications of the IVM system in preclinical research. IVIM technology is a provider of all-in-one intravital microscopy systems and solutions optimized for in vivo imaging of live animal models at sub-micron resolution. The system’s unique features and user-friendly software enables researchers to probe fast dynamic biological processes such as immune cell tracking, cell-cell interaction as well as vascularization and tumor metastasis with exceptional detail. This webinar will also give an overview of IVM being utilized in drug development, offering a view into the intricate interaction between drugs/nanoparticles and tissues in vivo and allows for the evaluation of therapeutic intervention in a variety of tissues and organs. This interdisciplinary collaboration continues to drive the advancements of novel therapeutic strategies.
Deep Behavioral Phenotyping in Systems Neuroscience for Functional Atlasing a...Ana Luísa Pinho
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) provides means to characterize brain activations in response to behavior. However, cognitive neuroscience has been limited to group-level effects referring to the performance of specific tasks. To obtain the functional profile of elementary cognitive mechanisms, the combination of brain responses to many tasks is required. Yet, to date, both structural atlases and parcellation-based activations do not fully account for cognitive function and still present several limitations. Further, they do not adapt overall to individual characteristics. In this talk, I will give an account of deep-behavioral phenotyping strategies, namely data-driven methods in large task-fMRI datasets, to optimize functional brain-data collection and improve inference of effects-of-interest related to mental processes. Key to this approach is the employment of fast multi-functional paradigms rich on features that can be well parametrized and, consequently, facilitate the creation of psycho-physiological constructs to be modelled with imaging data. Particular emphasis will be given to music stimuli when studying high-order cognitive mechanisms, due to their ecological nature and quality to enable complex behavior compounded by discrete entities. I will also discuss how deep-behavioral phenotyping and individualized models applied to neuroimaging data can better account for the subject-specific organization of domain-general cognitive systems in the human brain. Finally, the accumulation of functional brain signatures brings the possibility to clarify relationships among tasks and create a univocal link between brain systems and mental functions through: (1) the development of ontologies proposing an organization of cognitive processes; and (2) brain-network taxonomies describing functional specialization. To this end, tools to improve commensurability in cognitive science are necessary, such as public repositories, ontology-based platforms and automated meta-analysis tools. I will thus discuss some brain-atlasing resources currently under development, and their applicability in cognitive as well as clinical neuroscience.
Multi-source connectivity as the driver of solar wind variability in the heli...Sérgio Sacani
The ambient solar wind that flls the heliosphere originates from multiple
sources in the solar corona and is highly structured. It is often described
as high-speed, relatively homogeneous, plasma streams from coronal
holes and slow-speed, highly variable, streams whose source regions are
under debate. A key goal of ESA/NASA’s Solar Orbiter mission is to identify
solar wind sources and understand what drives the complexity seen in the
heliosphere. By combining magnetic feld modelling and spectroscopic
techniques with high-resolution observations and measurements, we show
that the solar wind variability detected in situ by Solar Orbiter in March
2022 is driven by spatio-temporal changes in the magnetic connectivity to
multiple sources in the solar atmosphere. The magnetic feld footpoints
connected to the spacecraft moved from the boundaries of a coronal hole
to one active region (12961) and then across to another region (12957). This
is refected in the in situ measurements, which show the transition from fast
to highly Alfvénic then to slow solar wind that is disrupted by the arrival of
a coronal mass ejection. Our results describe solar wind variability at 0.5 au
but are applicable to near-Earth observatories.
1. GROUNDWATER RESOURCE
GOVERNANCE IN TRANSBOUNDARY
AQUIFERS: Background, history,
objectives, structure and progress
Ivica Trumbic
Project Manager
2. OBJECTIVES OF THE MEETING
• To formally launch the project and update all parties on the
progress of the project’s implementation;
• To ensure that all parties are familiar with the objectives, activities,
budget, deliverables and approach to the implementation of the
project;
• To present the roles, functions, and responsibilities of project’s
stakeholders, project’s Country Focal Points (CFPs) and other
project partners;
• To present a preliminary estimate of the current state of data
availability and ownership, required harmonization, and formatting;
• To discuss the assessment methodology and provide ideas for its
adaptation to local conditions, including potential identification of
additional, aquifer specific, indicators and potential field works
(limited);
• To present, discuss, amend if needed, and adopt the project's
overall workplan; and
• To agree on next steps and project milestones.
3. BASIC FACTS
• Water Diplomacy Cluster of Swiss Development
Cooperation (SDC)
• 3 aquifers: Central America (Trifinio), Central Asia
(Pretashkent), Southern Africa (Stampriet)
• 8 countries
• Project targets:
– Improve knowledge and recognition of importance
and vulnerability of TBAs
– Enhance cooperation and water security
• Two components
4. WHY THIS PROJECT?
• ISARM
• 63rd session of the UN General Assembly
(UNGA) adopted Resolution A/RES/63/124 on
the Law of Transboundary Aquifers:
– “…encourages the States concerned to make
appropriate bilateral or regional arrangements for
the proper management of their transboundary
aquifers taking into account the provisions of the
draft articles...”
5. • In 2011, another Resolution A/RES/66/104,
adopted by the UNGA reiterates its call to States
to “make appropriate bilateral or regional
arrangements for the proper management of
their transboundary aquifers”
• Calls upon UNESCO-IHP to offer scientific and
technical assistance to the States concerned
• In June 2012, UNESCO IHP adopted Resolution
IC/XX-3 (Annex 1), which requests the UNESCO IHP
to continue the Study and Assessment of
Transboundary Aquifers and Groundwater
Resources and encourages Member States to
cooperate on the study of their transboundary
aquifers, with the support of the IHP.
6. UNESCO’s RESPONSE
• In response to the call, UNESCO-IHP has prepared a proposal
for a project "Groundwater Resources Governance in
Transboundary Aquifers" and submitted the proposal to the
Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) within
the frame of the SDC Strategic Framework 2010-2015
• SDC has provided a grant to prepare the project proposal
• Following the acceptance of the project proposal (Credit
Proposal) in February 2013, UNESCO IHP prepared the overall
project document in May 2013
• During the first half of 2013, UNESCO IHP met with major
stakeholders in all three aquifer regions to discuss local and
regional priorities and to prepare the case study specific
project documents
7. GOALS
• To enhance cooperation on water security,
• To reduce transboundary and water-use conflicts,
and
• To improve overall environmental sustainability in
TBA regions.
8. AIMS
• To reinforce the capacity of Member States in
managing groundwater resources;
• To strengthen cooperation among countries sharing
the aquifer; and
• To develop a long term strategy for the monitoring
and governance of the transboundary aquifer.
9. OUTCOMES
• Countries sharing the aquifer cooperate for the
sustainable management of the resources, and
• Agree to take steps to deal with its transboundary
implications through the political commitment to
define and implement national and regional priority
actions for the protection and equitable utilization of
the aquifers.
10. OBJECTIVES
• Improve the knowledge and recognition of the
importance and vulnerability of
transboundary groundwater resources,
• Strengthen cross‐border dialogue and
cooperation,
• Develop shared management tools; and
• Facilitate governance reforms focused on
improving livelihoods, economic development
and environmental sustainability.
11. HOW THE PROJECTS WERE IDENTIFIED?
• Representativeness of different geological conditions,
climatic regions, and socio‐economic conditions,
• There had to be existing cooperation with the countries
and the IHP National Committees and favorable
support from National Institutions;
• Location in areas affected by water scarcity, and
vulnerable to climate change and variability;
• Possibilities to link the case studies’ in‐depth
assessment to projects being implemented by other
organisations of being considered for GEF funding; and
• Based on countries’ priorities.
12. SELECTED CASE STUDIES
• The Kalahari-Karoo (Stampriet) Aquifer, shared
by Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa
• The Esquipulas‐Ocotepeque‐Citalá (Trifinio)
Aquifer, shared by El Salvador, Guatemala,
and Honduras
• The Pretashkent Aquifer, shared by
Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan.
13.
14. TWO-STEP APPROACH
• Building recognition of the shared nature of
the resource, and mutual trust through joint
fact finding and science based diagnostics
(Component 1); and
• Reaching consensus on transboundary
governance mechanisms (Component 2).
15. COMPONENT 1
• Builds on Transboundary Waters Assessment
Programme (TWAP) methodology for the assessment
of TBAs,
• Encompasses hydrogeological, environmental, socio-
economic and governance dimensions of the aquifer
systems
• The aquifer sharing states in each TBA should agree on
a joint monitoring programme, which will be
harmonized in terms of classifications, reference
systems, language, format, software, etc., and lead to
the establishment of a common dynamic information
system.
16. COMPONENT 2
• Initiating the consultation process among
countries,
• Facilitating the process of agreeing on priority
issues, and
• Laying the foundations to establish
cooperation mechanisms among countries.
• PHASE 2 ?
17. Project Management Unit
UNESCO
Steering Committee
SDC, UNESCO,
Countries
Central America
Trifinio
Transboundary Aquifer
El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras
Central Asia
Pretashkent
Transboundary Aquifer
Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan
Southern Africa
Stampriet
Transboundary Aquifer
Namibia, Botswana, South Africa
Regional Execution Team
(IUCN, UNESCO-IGRAC, Countries)
OAS
(Replication -
Dissemination)
UNESCO
Regional Offices
ISARM Network
Regional Execution Team
(UNESCO, UNESCO-IGRAC, Countries)
Regional Execution Team
(UNESCO, UNESCO-IGRAC, Countries)
SADC
(Replication -
Dissemination)
UNESCO
Regional Offices
ISARM Network
UNESCO
Regional Offices
ISARM Network
UNECE
(Replication -
Dissemination)
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18. Organization of the Management Unit and
Cross Cutting Functions
PROJECT MANAGER
SUPERVISORY GROUP
STREERING COMMITTEE
LEGAL ASPECTS
IMPLEMENTATION OF
INTRENATIONAL LAW AND
AGREEMENTS
(UNESCO, IUCN)
INFORMATION
MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
REMOTE SENSING AND
MODELING
(UNESCO-IGRAC)
Central America
Trifinio
Transboundary Aquifer
El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras
NTTG - MCCB
Central Asia
Pretashkent
Transboundary Aquifer
Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan
NTTG - MCCB
Southern Africa
Stampriet
Transboundary Aquifer
Namibia, Botswana, South Africa
NTTG - MCCB
20. LONG HISTORY OF COOPERATION
• Regional cooperation in the water sector was established in 2000 through
the Revised Protocol on Shared Watercourses in the Southern Africa
Development Community.
• Of the 15 major river basins which are shared by two or more nations, 11
a Commission or Technical Committee.
• The Regional Strategic Action Plan for Integrated Water Resources
Management (now in Phase III) and a Groundwater Programme as one of
its components.
• ISARM-SADC became operative in 2007 in a network covering all SADC
countries. By 2011 twenty-nine transboundary aquifer systems had been
identified and broadly described in the region.
• Resolution in 2007 by the African Ministers Council on Water (AMCOW) to
‘promote the institutionalisation of groundwater management by river
basin organisations.
• In 2008 the ISARM-SADC decided on the Kalahari-Karoo aquifer system as
the first pilot area in which to test transboundary aquifer management
principles.
• In 200the, the ORASECOM became the first river basin commission in
SADC to establish a Groundwater Technical Committee.
•