ID: 51652
Title: New insights on metrology during the Mauryan period
Author: R.Balasubramaniam
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2009
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 97, No 5, 10 September 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Angulam, Arthasastra, Mauryan period, metrology
Abstract: Dimensional analysis of the oldest engineered caves at Barabar and Nagarjuni hills (dated to the Mauryan Period) has revealed that the basic length measure (angulam) of this period was 1.763 cm. The planning of these cave complexes was executed using the traditional measurement units mentioned in the Arthasastra, in particular the danda measuring 96 angulams. As the basic length measure is also noted in several Harappan civilization sites, this study confirms that Harappan metrological ideas were transmitted virtually unchanged from the Harappan civilization to the Ganga civilization, thereby proving the continuity of the people themselves who built their settlements upon this tradition.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 51651
Title: First ground-based mesospheric measurements from Central Himalayas
Author: A.Guharay, A.Taori, S.Bhattacharjee, P.Pant, B.Pande and K.Pandey
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2009
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 97, No 5, 10 September 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Airglow, Krassovsky parameter, MLTP, mesospheric dynamics
Abstract: First ground-based mesospheric temperature measurements from a central Himalayan station of India, Nainital (29.4oN and 79.5oE) have been carried out during January 2007 with the help of OH and O2 air-glow monitoring during night-time. The derived temperatures exhibit large amplitudes of ~3-6 h waves together with a longer period nocturnal tide-like feature with periodicity ~8-10 h. The observed temperatures are in agreement with the SABER derived temperatures, onboard the TIMED satellite and in less resemblance with MSIS-00 model data. The Krassovsky ' s analysis shows the mean ? values to be ~13.4 + 2.5 and 10.05 + 2.3; and ? values -23.8 + 11o and -23.5 + 11.5o for O2 and OH data respectively, which are higher than the reported values in the literature. The deduced vertical wavelengths are found to be ~29.6 +11.1km and 43+21.5 km for O2 and OH respectively, indicating the observed waves to be upward propagating.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 51650
Title: Regional variation in the composition and structure of mixed -species bird flocks in the Western Ghats and Sri Lanka
Author: Eben Goodale, B.Z.Nizam, V.V.Robin, Hari Sridhar, Pranav Trivedi, S.W.Kotagama, U.K.G.K.Padmalal, Rahula Perera, P.Pramod and Lalitha Vijayan
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2009
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 97, No 5, 10 September 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Bird communities, biogeography, mixed-species flocks, Western Ghats
Abstract: Mixed-species bird flocks are attractive models for the investigation of geographical variation in animal communities, as they represent a subset of the avifauna in most forested regions of the world. Yet studies of the regional variation in flock size and the composition of flocks are few, due to the predominance of studies carried out at a single study site. Here, we review nine studies of mixed-species flocks conducted at 16 sites along the Western Ghats in India and in Sri Lanka. We find that flock size varies as much within this region as it does globally, with observation time being a confounding variable. Flock composition, however, is predictably related to elevation. Flocks at high elevations (>1200 m) in the Western Ghats strongly resemble flocks at high elevations in the mountain ranges of Sri Lanka in their composition, especially at the family level. We compare these flocks to flocks of other regions and make recommendations on study methodology that can facilitate comparisons across studies.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 51649
Title: Soil-based fertilizer recommendations for precision farming
Author: V.Ramamurthy, L.G.K.Naidu, S.C.Ramesh Kumar, S.Srinivas and Rajendra Hegde
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2009
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 97, No 5, 10 September 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Agro-climatic zone, fertilizer recommendation, management unit, precision farming, soil variability
Abstract: In India, current fertilizer recommendations are very old and developed based on agro-climatic zones. The assumption is that agro-climatic zones are homogenous units. However, analyses of agro-climatic zones reveal variability in soil within each zone. Current agro-climatic zonal fertilizer recommendations are generalized for entire zone and not addressed to specific soil types. To know the soil variability with in the National Agricultural Research Project (NARP) agro -climate zone and suitability of current fertilizer recommendations, sugarcane in northern dry zones of Karnataka was studied as a test crop. The results indicated that agro-climatic zones vary widely in soils and in their potentials, behaviour and response to management. It was also observed that fertilizer application efficiency varied within each zone and within the management units. These differences contributed to errors of both excess and insufficient applications. Besides, there is a continuous removal of secondary and micronutrients by crops in all farming situations resulting in inappropriate management practices. All these suggest that soil-based fertilizer recommendations should be preferred to achieve precision in farming and to maximize crop production, maintain soil health and minimize fertilizer misapplication.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 51648
Title: Ecology of Ficus religiosa accounts for its association with religion
Author: V.Sitaramam, S.R.Jog and P.Tetali
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2009
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 97, No 5, 10 September 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Epiphytes, Ficus sp., rock piles, roots, sacred grooves
Abstract: While many plants and trees in specific areas acquire cult significance, very few such as Ficus religiosa L. have acquired a universal status. This hemiepiphyte, Ficus religiosa L., is of dual interest since it venerated by a quarter of the present mankind (Hindus and Buddhists, largely Asian) on one hand and also since these plants are blamed for destruction of buildings due to their ability to grow on buildings. Divergence in views exists whether epiphytic plants exert a destructive influence on buildings. A focused survey of the coastal forts on land and sea has shown uniformly that the naturally growing plants of certain Ficus sp., notably Ficus religiosa L., grow exclusively on the vertical sheer side of rock faces and not either on the ground or on the top surface of these 8-10 centuries old rock structures; also seen on the side of rock piles as recent as 4-5 years as well as in sacred groves of several centuries to millennia old. We could trace the roots through these structures from beginning to the end in many parts of these forts, especially when there are overhanging structures at entrances. The root tips, the point of growth, would be far too insignificant to account for destruction in any of these large rock-and -lime mansonry structures while vibration per se was insignificant as the tree was seen in all forts on land or sea. The association with religion of the distinctive Ficus religiosa itself appears to be self-evident from its socio-anthropological association with rock piles, hitherto not visualized for any flora and logically appears to pre-date both Hinduism and Buddhism.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 51647
Title: Polychaete community structure of Indian west coast shelf, Arabian Sea
Author: T.V.Joydas, K.V.Jayalakshmy, R.Damodaran
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2009
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 97, No 5, 10 September 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: None
Abstract: None
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 51646
Title: Chandrayaan-1 captures Halo around Apollo-15 landing site using stereoscopic views from Terrain Mapping Camera
Author: Prakash Chauhan, Ajai, A.S. Kirankumar
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2009
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 97, No 5, 10 September 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: None
Abstract: None
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 51645
Title: Sequestration of atmospheric carbon into subsoil horizons through deep -rooted grasses-vetiver grass model
Author: U.C.Lavania and Seshu Lavania
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2009
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 97, No 5, 10 September 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Global warming, Soil carbon sink, Vetiver
Abstract: Choosing the strategies to mitigate global warming should envisage sustenance of soil carbon sink, and also long-term locking of excess carbon deep into the soil horizon. Fast growing grasses with penetrating deep root system would facilitate long-term locking of atmospheric carbon below plough layer with reduced chances of being recycled to atmosphere and recuperate soil carbon sink. Vetiver, a non -invasive C4 grass with fast -growing tufted root system, reaching 3m just in one year could be an ideal global candidate with a holding potential of 1kg atmospheric carbon, sequestered annually deep into the soil pool from one sq. metre surface area.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 51644
Title: Traditional knowledge systems, intellectual property rights and their relevance for sustainable development
Author: T.K.Mukherjee
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2009
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 97, No 5, 10 September 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: None
Abstract: None
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 51643
Title: An endangered species goldmine in the Congo Basin
Author: V.T.Yadugiri
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2009
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 97, No 5, 10 September 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: None
Abstract: None
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 51642
Title: Biodiversity and climate change-links with poverty
Author: Anita Srivastava, Renu Singh
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2009
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 97, No 5, 10 September 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: None
Abstract: None
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 51641
Title: Corrigendum: mammal persistence and abundance in tropical rainforest remnants in the sourthern Western Ghats, India
Author: Hari Sridhar, T.R. Shankar Raman, Divya Mudappa
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2009
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 97, No 5, 10 September 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: None
Abstract: None
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 51640
Title: Study on the Utility of IRS-P6 AWiFS SWIR Band for Crop Discrimination and Classification
Author: Rabindra K. Panigrahy, S.S. Ray, S. Panigrahy
Editor: Prof. B.L.Deekshatulu
Year: 2009
Publisher: Indian Society of Remote Sensing, Vol 37, No 2, June 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of the Indian Society of Remote Sensing
Keywords: AWiFS, SWIR band, Crop discrimination, Classification, Three-band ratio index
Abstract: This present study was conducted to find out the usefulness of SWIR (Short Wave Infra Red) band data in AWiFS (Advanced Wide Field Sensor) sensor of Resorcesat 1, for the discrimination of different Rabi season crops (rabi rice, groundnut and vegetables) and other vegetations of the undivided Cuttack district of Orissa state. Four dates multi-spectral AWiFS data during the period from 10 December 2003 to 2 May 2004 were used. The analysis was carried out using various multivariate statistics and classification approaches. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and separability measures were used for selection of best bands for crop discrimination. The analysis showed that, for discrimination of the crops in the study area, NIR was found to be the best band, followed by SWIR and Red. The results of the supervised MXL classification showed that inclusion of SWIR band increased the overall accuracy and kappa coefficient. The ' Three Band Ratio ' index, which incorporated Red, NIR and SWIR bands, showed improved discrimination in the multi-date dataset classification, compared to other SWIR based indices.
Location: 231
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 51639
Title: Assessment of Citrus Crop Condition in Umling Block of Ri-bhoi District Using RS and GIS Technique
Author: Pratibha Thakuria Das, Liagi Tajo, Jonali Goswami
Editor: Prof. B.L.Deekshatulu
Year: 2009
Publisher: Indian Society of Remote Sensing, Vol 37, No 2, June 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of the Indian Society of Remote Sensing
Keywords: Citrus decline area mapping, SBI-NDWI-NDVI
Abstract: Orange orchards of Meghalaya are small in size and are found together with other plants on the slopes of hills. It is also reported that the productivity of orchards is declining in some parts of the state. Therefore in this study, we have attempted to map areas prone to citrus productivity decline based on the integrated effect of soil erosion, vegetation condition and moisture stress. It is difficult to identify orchard on hilly terrain using standard FCC of IRS-P6 LISS III data. Hence, an enhanced color composite image was prepared from three images generated from indices namely SBI, NDWI and NDVI. This enhanced color image was classified using the maximum likelihood classification method and enabled identifying villages prone to citrus decline. The study shows that orchards of 29 villages which are suffering from moisture stress and mostly located on steep slopes that cause heavy soil loss leading to nutrient imbalances are prone to citrus decline. These data will be useful in mapping potential citrus decline areas over zones having similar climatic conditions so that the concerned state horticulture/agriculture departements and citrus growers can take necessary remedial actions.
Location: 231
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 51638
Title: Integration of VNIR and SWIR Spectral Reflectance for Mapping Mineral Resorces; A Case Study, North East of Hajjah, Yemen
Author: Ali M.Qaid, H.T. Basavarajappa, S. Rajendran
Editor: Prof. B.L.Deekshatulu
Year: 2009
Publisher: Indian Society of Remote Sensing, Vol 37, No 2, June 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of the Indian Society of Remote Sensing
Keywords: Hajjah, Spectral reflectance, VNIR, SWIR, Altered rocks, Field Spec 3
Abstract: Laboratory reflectance spectra of 18 rock samples from the Precambrian basement of north east of Hajjah were measured and analyzed using the instrument of FieldSpec 3 with spectral range 0.250-2.500 ?m. The aim of this study is to use the spectral reflectance of rocks for mapping the mineral resources in the north east of Hajjah. The altered system in the study area comprises of silicification, sericitification, oxidation, clay minerals and carbonatization. Silicified alteration is not distinguishable in the regions of Visible-Near Infrared (VNIR) and Short wave Infrared (SWIR) of the electromagnetic spectrum, because of lack of diagnostic spectral absorption features in silica in this wavelength. Although the arsenopyrite and pyrite are wide spread in the whole study area their features do not appear in any range of spectra because they exhibit trans-opaque behavior and often lack distinction in VNIR and SWIR. The entire spectral reflectance curves of samples show alteration. Based on the examination of laboratory spectra all samples in the study area show promise in the field of mineral resources.
Location: 231
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None