ID: 64520
Title: Deriving fuel from pine needles through pyrolysis, charring and briquetting and their GHG emission potential
Author: Sandip Mandal, Rajat Kumar Sharma and T. K. Bhattacharya
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 124 (10) 1210-1215 (2023)
Subject: Deriving fuel from pine needles through pyrolysis, charring and briquetting and their GHG emission potential
Keywords: Briquettes, charring, greenhouse gas emission, pine needles, pyrolysis
Abstract: The present communication presents an overview of generating renewable fuels from pine needles through pyrolysis and briquetting technology. Pine needles are the products of leaf shedding in the forests from pine trees and are considered potential fire hazards. Studies conducted in the last few years show that this biomass can be effectively utilized for the production of bio-oil, biochar and briquettes in an environment-friendly manner. Through pyrolysis, pine needles could be converted to 35% bio-oil with a calorific value of 28.52 MJ kg–1 , which can be a base material for other fuels and chemicals. The process also yields 25% biochar, which has a half-life of 600–1000 years and is a suitable material for soil carbon sequestration. The proposed pine needlebased energy centre can produce about 3.8 t briquettes, 1.2 t bio-oil, 1.6 t biochar and 1240 Nm3 pyrolysis gas from 10 t pine needles, with an energy efficiency of 87.2%. Greenhouse gas emissions were found to be considerably lower for charring and pyrolysis routes compared to forest burning.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Kumar, A., Kumar, N., Baredar, P. and Shukla, A., A review on biomass energy resources, potential, conversion and policy in India. Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev., 2015, 45, 530–539.
Mandal, S., Bhattacharya, T. K. and Tanna, H., Energy harnessing routes of rice straw. Curr. Sci., 2017, 113(1), 21–23.
Literature cited 2: Mandal, S. et al., Valorization of pine needles by thermal conversion to solid, liquid and gaseous fuels in a screw reactor. Waste Biomass Valorizat., 2019, 10(12), 3587–3599.
Mohan, D., Pittman Jr, C. U. and Steele, P. H., Pyrolysis of wood/ biomass for bio-oil: a critical review. Energy Fuels, 2006, 20(3), 848–889.
ID: 64519
Title: Farmers’ perception of climate change and management strategies in the mid-Himalaya, India
Author: Kushagra Joshi, Ankita Kandpal, M. L. Roy, Anirban Mukharjee, A. Pattanayak, V. S. Meena and S. C. Pandey
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 124 (10) 1201-1210 (2022)
Subject: Farmers’ perception of climate change and management strategies in the mid-Himalaya, India
Keywords: Agriculture, adaptation, climate change, farmers’ perception, management strategies, small landholdings
Abstract: The Himalayan ecosystem is one of the most climate change-affected ecosystems in the world. The present study focuses on farmers’ perceptions of climate risks and adaptation strategies in Uttarakhand, mid-Himalaya, India. Using district-level long-term climate data along with village-level surveys, we explored the major trends in climatic variables with farmers’ perception and adaptation practices against climate change vagaries. Farmers noticed changes in the environment that were consistent with trends in the climate data. Farmers’ adaptation measures included changes in crop varieties, reduced number of livestock, shifting to non-farm activities, shifting planting dates and changing the cultivable land size. Stronger extension services, use of mobile advisory for increasing extension contact, inexpensive credit, community-focused agricultural training were the most important factors for effective climate change adaptation behaviour. Farmers’ perception was significantly influenced by number of crops grown, training experience and extension contact. This study emphasizes the need for policymakers to take into account local knowledge of climate change and strategies to speed up communities’ shift towards resilience and the extension mechanism must adapt their strategies for promoting resilience based on locally constrained and unconstrained measures.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Mustapha, S. B., Sanda, A. H. and Shehu, H., Farmers’ perception of climate change in Central Agricultural Zone of Borno State, Nigeria. J. Environ. Earth Sci., 2012, 2(11), 21–27.
Clarke, C., Shackleton, S. and Powell, M., Climate change perceptions, drought responses and views on carbon farming amongst commercial livestock and game farmers in the semiarid Great Fish River Valley, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Afr. J. Range Forage Sci., 2012, 29, 13–23.
Literature cited 2: Amjath-Babu, T., Krupnik, T. J., Aravindakshan, S., Arshad, M. and Kaechele, H., Climate change and indicators of probable shifts in the consumption portfolios of dryland farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa: implications for policy. Ecol. Indic., 2016, 67, 830–838.
Mukherjee, A. et al., Climate change risk perception, adaptation and mitigation strategy: an extension outlook in mountain Himalaya. In Conservation Agriculture, Springer, Singapore, 2016, pp. 257–292.
ID: 64518
Title: Effect of temperature on brown planthopper infestation in rice using hyperspectral remote sensing
Author: S. Sivaranjani, V. Geethalakshmi1, S. Pazhanivelan, J. S. Kennedy, S. P. Ramanathan, R. Gowtham and K. Pugazenthi
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 124 (10) 1194-1200 (2022)
Subject: Effect of temperature on brown planthopper infestation in rice using hyper spectral remote sensing
Keywords: Brown planthopper, hyperspectral sensor, plant stress, rice, vegetation indices.
Abstract: Hyperspectral remote sensing captures images in multiple wavelengths and is widely used to detect plant stress in agriculture. A study was conducted on brown planthopper (BPH) infestation in rice at various temperature regimes (15°C, 20°C, 25°C, 30°C and 35°C). The experimentation was done in the Environmental Control Chamber, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, India. The field spectroradiometer and vegetation indices were used to study the early and late infestations of BPH in rice. The results reveal that reflectance at certain wavelengths (550, 670 and 700 nm) indicates plant stress. Among the vegetation indices, MCARI performed better than NDVI, PRI, NDRE and SR for the detection of early and late infestation of BPH. Hence, hyperspectral reflectance from rice has been used to detect pest damage and improve management policies.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Oghaz, M. M. D., Razaak, M., Kerdegari, H., Argyriou, V. and Remagnino, P., Scene and environment monitoring using aerial imagery and deep learning. IEEE, 2019.
Childs, N. and LeBeau, B., Rice Outlook, Report, FAO, 2022.
Literature cited 2: Saravanakumar, V., Lohano, H. D. and Balasubramanian, R., A district-level analysis for measuring the effects of climate change on production of rice: evidence from southern India. Theor. Appl. Climatol., 2022, 150(3–4), 941–953. 4. Min, S., Lee, S. W., Choi, B.-R., Lee, S. H. and Kwon, D. H., Insecticide resistance monitoring and correlation analysis to select appropriate insecticides against Nilaparvata lugens (Stål), a migratory pest in Korea. J. Asia-Pac. E
ID: 64517
Title: Does conservation agriculture promote sustainable intensification in the rice–wheat system of the Indo-Gangetic Plains in India? Empirical evidences from on-farm studies
Author: Ankita Kandpal, T. M. Kiran Kumara and Suresh Pal
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 124 (10) 1188-1193 (2023)
Subject: Does conservation agriculture promote sustainable intensification in the rice–wheat system of the Indo-Gangetic Plains in India? Empirical evidences from on-farm studies
Keywords: Carbon sequestration, climate change, conservation agriculture, food security, rice–wheat system
Abstract: The sustainability of rice–wheat (RW) production system in the Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP) of India is being threatened by climate change, and land and water degradation. Conservation agriculture practices provide a naturebased solution by addressing these challenges without affecting food security. In this study, a meta-analysis framework was employed to assess the on-farm economic and environmental impacts of CA in the RW system of the Indian IGP. Results show a higher on-farm yield response of CA in wheat (+5.6%) and a slight reduction in rice yield (–0.4%) compared to conventional tillage (CT). Nevertheless, the Eastern IGP witnessed a positive rice yield (+4.3%) under CA. Carbon sequestration potential of the RW system was found to be significantly higher (+22.70%) in CA. Implementation of CA practices resulted in a substantial reduction of carbon dioxide (–18.80%) and global warming potential (–23.26%). A significant amount of water was saved following CA practices on farms (+19.78%). From an economic point of view, CA practices were found to be more cost-effective with higher net returns compared to conventional tillage in the study region. Outscaling CA represents a win-win strategy for mitigating climate change without affecting food and livelihood security in the region. Providing payment for ecosystem services and developing cost-effective technologies are critical for the outscaling of CA in the IGP.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Regmi, A. P. et al., Yield and soil fertility trends in a 20-year rice– rice–wheat experiment. Better Crops Int., 2003, 17(2), 30. 2. Ladha, J. K. et al., How extensive are yield declines in long-term rice–wheat experiments in Asia? Field Crops Res., 2003, 81, 159– 180
Literature cited 2: Gupta, R. and Seth, A., A review of resource conserving technologies for sustainable management of the rice–wheat cropping systems of the Indo-Gangetic plains (IGP). Crop Prot., 2007, 26(3), 436–447. 4. Samal, S. K. et al., Evaluation of long-term conservation agriculture and crop intensification in rice–wheat rotation of Indo-Gangetic Plains of South Asia: carbon dynamics and productivity. Eur. J. Agron., 2017, 90, 198–208.
ID: 64516
Title: Comparative evaluation of reference evapotranspiration estimation models in New Bhupania Minor Command, Jhajjar, Haryana, India
Author: Venkatesh Gaddikeri , A. Sarangi, D. K. Singh1 , K. K. Bandyopadhyay3 , Bidisha Chakrabarti and S. K. Sarkar
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 124 (10) 1181-1187 (2022)
Subject: Comparative evaluation of reference evapotranspiration estimation models in New Bhupania Minor Command, Jhajjar, Haryana, India
Keywords: Canal command, climatological data, comparative evaluation, evapotranspiration estimation models, irrigated agriculture
Abstract: Accurate quantification of reference crop evapotranspiration (ETo) plays a significant role in determining crop water requirements in irrigated agriculture. A plethora of methods for the estimation of ETo are available. However, the regional suitability of these methods needs to be assessed given the limited availability of meteorological data. In this study, daily estimates of 11 ETo models were selected and compared with the FAO-Penman–Monteith equation (FAO-PM). The selected methods were Blaney–Criddle (BC), Jaisen–Haise (JH), Hargreaves method (HM), McGuinness–Borndne (MB), Chapman (CM), Abtew model (AM), Turc method (TM), FAO-PM equation, Penman equation (PM), Priestley–Taylor (PT) and Matt–Shuttleworth (MS). Evaluation of these models was carried out during 2016–20 in the New Bhupania Minor Command of the Dulhera distributary, Western Yamuna Canal Command (WYCC), Haryana, India. The selected models were evaluated to find a substitute for the FAO-PM equation based on different statistical indices. It was observed that the PT method performed best and was in line with the FAOPM equation with correlation coefficient, root mean square error, mean absolute error, Nash–Sutcliffe coefficient and mean bias error as 0.92, 0.74, 0.48, 0.83, 0.171 respectively. Based on this study and statistical error indices values, the models can be ranked as PT > CM > TM > JH > AM > PM > MS > HM > BC > MB. Thus, we recommend using the PT model for the estimation of ETo in the study area with available meteorological parameters for irrigation scheduling
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Pandey, P. K., Dabral, P. P. and Pandey, V., Evaluation of reference evapotranspiration methods for the northeastern region of India. Int. Soil Water Conserv. Res., 2016, 4, 52–63.
Shirmohammadi-Aliakbarkhani, Z. and Saberali, S. F., Evaluating of eight evapotranspiration estimation methods in arid regions of Iran. Agric. Water Manage., 2020, 239, 106243.
Literature cited 2: Djaman, K., Koudahe, K., Akinbile, C. O. and Irmak, S., Evaluation of eleven reference evapotranspiration models in semiarid conditions. J. Water Resour. Prot., 2017, 9, 1469–1490.
Saggi, M. K. and Jain, S., Reference evapotranspiration estimation and modeling of the Punjab, Northern India using deep learning. Comput. Electron. Agric., 2019, 156, 387–398.
ID: 64515
Title: Radiocarbon analysis of the Indian banyan (Ficus benghalensis L.) at Narora
Author: Roxana T. Patrut1, Arti Garg , Adrian Patrut, Stephan Woodborne , Laszlo Rakosy and Ileana-Andreea Ratiu
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 124 (10) 1175-1180 (2023)
Subject: Radiocarbon analysis of the Indian banyan (Ficus benghalensis L.) at Narora
Keywords: Age determination, AMS radiocarbon dating, Ficus benghalensis, tree conservation, upper Ganga Ramsar site
Abstract: This article describes the radiocarbon analysis of the large Indian banyan (Ficus benghalensis) at Narora, Uttar Pradesh (UP). It was discovered during floristic surveys in the Upper Ganga Ramsar site in UP and ranks as the tenth largest banyan tree in the world with its 4069 sq. m crown spread. The tree has a unique architecture, with just four prop roots supporting the main stem. The oldest sample was found to be 346 ± 40 years BP, which corresponds to a calibrated age of 430 ± 35 cal years. The radiocarbon dating results indicate an age of 450 ± 50 years for the Indian banyan at Narora. This age represents the oldest accurate dating result for the species. Several protection measures are included to ensure the long-term survival of this archaic tree
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Sinha, K. K., Figs. In Encyclopedia of Food Sciences and Nutrition (eds Caballero, B., Trugo, L. and Finglas, P. M.), Academic Press, London, UK, 2003, pp. 2394–2399. 2. Rahman, A. H. M. M. and Khanom, A., Taxonomic and ethnomedicinal study of species from Moraceae (Mulberry) family in Bangladesh flora. Res. Plant Sci., 2013, 1, 53–57
Literature cited 2: Murugesu, S., Selamat, J. and Perumal, V., Phytochemistry, pharmacological properties and recent applications of Ficus benghalensis and Ficus religiosa. Plants, 2021, 10, 2749. 4. Plants of the World online catalogue; https://powo.science.kew.org/ (accessed on 3 May 2022).
ID: 64514
Title: Calcium carbonate activated biomass-derived carbon: insights on characterization and adsorption
Author: R. Sangeetha Piriya, Rajamani M. Jayabalakrishnan*, M. Maheswari, Kovilpillai Boomiraj and Sadish Oumabady
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 124 (10) 1167-1174 (2023)
Subject: Calcium carbonate activated biomass-derived carbon: insights on characterization and adsorption
Keywords: Agricultural waste, calcium carbonate activation, coconut shell, wastewater treatment
Abstract: Activated carbon made from coconut (Cocos nucifera) shells has the potential to be a valuable source for removing pollutants from wastewater. Recently, the use of calcium carbonate to activate carbon materials derived from agricultural waste has been gaining attention as an effective method for adsorption in wastewater treatment. In the present study, we have analysed the structural and functional properties of activated coconut shell biochar. Results show that calcium carbonate-activated carbon had a maximum adsorption capacity of 40.35 mg g–1 after 3 h of equilibrium when tested with 20 mg l –1 of malachite dye. The R2 value for this activated carbon was 0.822, and the best-fit model was determined to be pseudo-second-order kinetics, with intraparticle diffusion being the final rate-limiting step.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Putro, J. N., Ju, Y.-H., Soetaredjo, F. E., Santoso, S. P. and Ismadji, S., In Biosorption of Dyes, Elsevier, 2021, pp. 99–133; https://doi. org.10.1016/B978-0-012-817-742-6.00004-9. 2. Sadiq, A. C., Rahim, N. Y. and Suah, F. B. M., Adsorption and desorption of malachite green by using chitosan–deep eutectic solvents beads. Int. J. Biol. Macromol., 2020, 164, 3965–3973; doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.09.029.
Literature cited 2: Man, L. W., Kumar, P., Teng, T. T. and Wasewar, K. L., Design of experiments for malachite green dye removal from wastewater using thermolysis – coagulation–flocculation. Desalin. Water Treat., 2012, 40(1–6), 260–271; doi:10.1080/19443994.2012.671257.
Mourão, P. A. M., Laginhas, C., Custódio, F., Nabais, J. M. V., Carrott, P. J. M. and Carrott, M. M. L. R., Influence of oxidation process on the adsorption capacity of activated carbons from lignocellulosic precursors. Fuel Process. Technol., 2011, 92(2), 241–246; doi:10.1016/j.fuproc.2010.04.013.
ID: 64513
Title: Mapping of soil test-based spatial fertilizer recommendations for paddy and maize using GIS, GPS and STCR approaches in a micro-watershed of Karnataka, India
Author: Basavaraj Biradar, H. M. Jayadev, Hanamant M. Halli and Manjanagouda S. Sannagoudar
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 124 (10) 1160-1166 (2023)
Subject: Mapping of soil test-based spatial fertilizer recommendations for paddy and maize using GIS, GPS and STCR approaches in a micro-watershed of Karnataka, India
Keywords: Fertilizer recommendations, micro-watershed, paddy, maize, soil nutrients, targeted yield.
Abstract: A case study was undertaken at the Honnavalli microwatershed of Hassan district, Karnataka, India, to prepare digital maps for site-specific fertilizer recommendations for the major crops (paddy and maize) using STCR approach. The map shows that the recommended dose of N fertilizer for paddy is 148, 111, 82, 54, 26, –8, –67 and –108 kg ha–1 for the soil available N status 500 kg respectively. Similarly, for maize it is 290, 286, 283, 281, 279, 276, 268 and 259 kg ha–1 for 500 kg ha–1 respectively. Therefore, the study has implications on reducing consumption of fertilizers (24–45% for N; 12–15% for P and 8–32% for K), thereby reducing the cost of cultivation besides achieving higher nutrient use efficiency.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: IFPRI, Global Food Policy Report, International Food Policy Research Institute, NW, Washington, DC, USA, 2011. 2. Nellemann, C., MacDevette, M., Manders, T., Eickhout, B., Svihus, B., Prins, A. G. and Kaltenborn, B. P., Environmental food crisis – the environment’s role in averting future food crisis. A UNEP Rapid Response Assessment. United Nations Environment Programme, 2009; GRID-Arendal.www.grida.no.
Literature cited 2: Halli, H. M., Angadi, S. S. and Patil, R. H., Water and nutrient use efficiency in agriculture and the role of cereals – a review. J. Farm Sci., 2016, 29(3), 299–306. 4. Johnston, A. M., Khurana, H. S., Majumdar, K. and Satyanarayana, T., Site specific nutrient management – concept, current research and future challenges in Indian agriculture. J. Indian Soc. Soil Sci., 2009, 57(1), 1–10.
ID: 64512
Title: A bird’s eye view on cellular dynamics in Huntington’s disease
Author: M. Saldanha and M. Tare
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 124 (10) 1151-1159 (2023)
Subject: A bird’s eye view on cellular dynamics in Huntington’s disease
Keywords: Cellular dynamics, excitotoxicity, gene therapy, mitochondrial dysregulation, neurodegeneration.
Abstract: Huntington’s chorea is a rare neurodegenerative disorder caused by the dominant inheritance of the mutated hunting tin gene, housing poly-CAG or polyglutamine repeats. It is characterized by a wide variety of symptoms ranging from chorea and hypokinetic movements to behavioural and cognitive decline, followed by dementia and inevitable death. Over the past 120 years, all available therapeutics has been for the symptomatic management of Huntington’s disease (HD) and requires supportive physiotherapy and counselling to maximize the efficacy of the treatment. Several animal models have been employed to help elucidate and decrypt the pathophysiology of the disease, and also screen potential therapeutic candidates. In the last few decades, a deeper understanding of the cellular and molecular dynamics associated with HD has helped shed light on the mechanisms involved in disease progression. Genetic intervention for early detection, spreading awareness about HD and its symptoms, and training professionals in the nuances of the disease condition can significantly improve the lifestyle of patients. This article aims at summarizing the complex pathogenesis of HD at the cellular level using various disease models and available therapeutics.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Walker, F. O., Huntington’s disease. Lancet, 2007, 369(9557), 218–228. 2 Kirkwood, S. C., Su, J. L., Conneally, P. M. and Foroud, T., Progression of symptoms in the early and middle stages of Huntington disease. Arch. Neurol., 2001, 58(2), 273–278.
Literature cited 2: Feigin, A. S. and Anderson, K. E. (eds), SPEC – Handbook of Clinical Neurology, Elsevier, Amsterdam, 2017, vol. 144, pp. 47–48. 4. Vonsattel, J. P., Myers, R. H., Stevens, T. J., Ferrante, R. J., Paskevich, P. A., Richardson, E. P. and Bird, E. D., Huntington’s disease: neuropathological grading. In The Basal Ganglia II, Springer, Boston, MA, USA, 1987, pp. 515–531.
ID: 64511
Title: The landscape of world research on fertilizers: a bibliometric profile
Author: K. V. Praveen and Alka Singh
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 124 (10) 1140-1150 (2023)
Subject: The landscape of world research on fertilizers: a bibliometric profile
Keywords: Bibliometric analysis, environmental cost, fertilizer, knowledge structure, research trend
Abstract: The environmental cost of increased fertilizer application is an emerging concern, worsened by farmers’ reluctance to adopt alternative fertilizer products. The right fertilizer must be applied at the correct rate and time at the right place for maximum benefit. However, empirical evidence from across the world suggests a deviation from these normative strategies. Considering the lack of a holistic overview of the knowledge structure of the growing literature on fertilizers, we conducted a bibliometric analysis using data extracted from the Web of Science Core Collection database. We identified the publication trend and the important authors, journals and countries contributing to research on fertilizers. In addition, the topics that have received research attention were also identified. We can locate that issues like nitrogen fertilizers and their effect on growth and yield will never lose relevance. Most importantly, researchers are now dealing more with topics related to the externalities of chemical fertilizer use. Our findings will help interested researchers to gain systematic insights into the knowledge structure of fertilizer research.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Sutton, M. A. et al., Our Nutrient World: The challenge to produce more food and energy with less pollution, Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, 2013. 2. Benson, T. and Mogues, T., Constraints in the fertilizer supply chain: evidence for fertilizer policy development from three African countries. Food Secur. 2018, 10, 1
Literature cited 2: Jayne, T. S., Mason, N. M., Burke, W. J. and Ariga, J., Review: taking stock of Africa’s second-generation agricultural input subsidy programs. Food Policy, 2018, 75, 1–14. 4. Jayne, T. S., Mather, D., Mason, N. and Ricker-Gilbert, J., How do fertilizer subsidy programs affect total fertilizer use in sub-Saharan Africa? Crowding out, diversion, and benefit/cost assessments. Agric. Econ., 2013, 44, 687–703.
ID: 64510
Title: Hot springs of Demchok, Ladakh, India
Author: Parashar Mishra, Ahsan Absar , Archisman Dutta, Vishal V. Sakhare , Uday Shankar , A. P. Thapliyal , Pankaj Saini , P. K. Singh and Joyesh Bagchi
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 124 (9) 1104-1107 (2023)
Subject: Hot springs of Demchok, Ladakh, India
Keywords: Geothermal zone, hot springs, ion-exchange process, medicinal properties, water–rock ratio
Abstract: In this study, two thermal springs are reported from
the Demchok area in Ladakh, India. These are characterized by water having low total dissolved solids (TDS)
content (~250 mg/l) as well as high pH (9.5) and surface
temperature (75°C). Although these hot springs and
their medicinal properties are known to locals, they have
not been scientifically studied. Relatively low TDS despite high temperature could be due to sluggish ion exchange processes in the geothermal reservoir. Such a
situation might have developed because of the high-water to-rock ratio and/or smaller residence time of the geothermal fluid in the reaction zone.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Das, P., Maya, K. and Padmalal, D., Hydrochemistry, geothermometry and origin of the low temperature thermal springs of South
Konkan region, India. Geothermics, 2021, 90, 101997.
Chatterjee, S., Dutta, A., Gupta, R. K. and Sinha, U. K., Genesis,
evolution, speciation and fluid–mineral equilibrium study of an unexplored geothermal area in Northeast Himalaya, India. Geothermics, 2022, 105, 102
Literature cited 2: Dutta, A. and Gupta, R. K., Geochemistry and utilization of water
from thermal springs of Tawang and West Kameng districts, Arunachala Pradesh. J. Geol. Soc. India, 2022, 98(2), 237–244.
GSI, Geothermal Energy Resources of India. Geol. Surv. India
Spec. Publ., 2002, 69, 70–72.
ID: 64509
Title: Large-scale evaluation of water traps for their efficiency in collecting male stingless bees (Apidae: Meliponini)
Author: Shashidhar Viraktamath, T. Rojeet , Ashish Kumar Jha , Jagruti Roy and Shubham Rao
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 124 (9) 1101-1104 (2023)
Subject: Large-scale evaluation of water traps for their efficiency in collecting male stingless bees (Apidae: Meliponini)
Keywords: Collection efficiency, flight pattern, male stingless bees, water trap.
Abstract: A large-scale evaluation of water traps for their efficiency
in trapping male stingless bees was done, which involved
41 locations from 9 states and 88, 7 and 5 stingless bee
colonies of Tetragonula, Lepidotrigona and Lisotrigona
species respectively. We succeeded in collecting male
bees in 82 colonies of Tetragonula spp., five of Lepidotrigona spp. and two of Lisotrigona spp. The male bees
were trapped throughout the year with more than 10
males/colony in March, April, July, September, October
and December. Males of Tetragonula, Lepidotrigona
and Lisotrigona formed 0.17–14.29%, 0.54–21.53% and
12.35–14.21% of the total bees trapped per colony respectively. We conclude that a water trap is the best
technique to collect male bees of all three genera
(Tetragonula, Lepidotrigona and Lisotrigona) occurring
in India within a brief period during any time of the
year.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Rasmussen, C., Stingless bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponini)
of the Indian subcontinent: diversity, taxonomy and current status
of knowledge. Zootaxa, 2013, 3647, 401–428; https://doi.org/
10.11646/zootaxa.3647.3.1.
Cortopassi-Laurino, M. et al., Global meliponiculture: challenges
and opportunities. Apidologie, 2006, 37, 275–292.
Literature cited 2: Heard, T. A., The role of stingless bees in crop pollination. Annu.
Rev. Entomol., 1999, 44, 183–206; https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.
ento.44.1.183
Schwarz, H. F., The Indo-Malayan species of Trigona. Bull. Am.
Mus. Nat. Hist., 1939, 76, 83–141.
ID: 64508
Title: Triangular-shaped Ediacaran fossil Thectardis avalonensis from the Sonia Sandstone, Jodhpur Group, Marwar Supergroup, western India
Author: V. S. Parihar, Hukmaram, Pawan Kumar and Anshul Harsh
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 124 (9) 1095-1100 (2023)
Subject: Triangular-shaped Ediacaran fossil Thectardis avalonensis from the Sonia Sandstone, Jodhpur Group, Marwar Supergroup, western India
Keywords: Eukaryotic organism, fossil specimens, length– width ratio, phylogenetic affinity, sandstone, Thectardis avalonensis
Abstract: The present study records the triangular-shaped Ediacaran fossil identified as Thectardis avalonensis from
the Sonia Sandstone of Jodhpur Group, Marwar Supergroup, western India. These Ediacaran fossil specimens
are preserved in convex (positive) relief, but one is in
negative relief on the bedding planes of sandstone in the
Sursagar mines area. T. avalonensis is well-preserved,
unskeletonized, elongated and triangular in shape, with
sharp, raised marginal rims or ridges that widen at the
triangular base and taper towards the apex of the organism. This Ediacaran triangular-shaped T. avalonensis
organism is recorded for the first time from India. The
phylogenetic affinity of T. avalonensis is still uncertain,
as some have interpreted it as a sponge based on a body
plan consistent with the hydrodynamics of the sponge
water-canal system, which lacked a mouth or movement
and its length–width ratio of more than 1.6. As well as
these, T. avalonensis may also belong to Diskagma-like
lichen or living Cladonia-like lichen group and the Auroralumina-like cnidarian organisms of the Ediacaran
crown group.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Narbonne, G. M., The Ediacara biota: Neoproterozoic origin of animals
and their ecosystems. Annu. Rev. Earth Planet. Sci., 2005, 33, 421–442.
Xiao, S. and Laflamme, M., On the eve of animal radiation: phylogeny,
ecology and evolution of the Ediacara biota. Trends Ecol. Evol.,
2009, 24, 31–40.
Literature cited 2: . Narbonne, G. M., The Ediacara biota: a terminal Neoproterozoic
experiment in the evolution of life. Geol. Soc. Am. Today, 1998, 8,
1–6.
Fedonkin, M. A., Gehling, J. G., Grey, K., Narbonne, G. M. and
Vickers-Rich, P., The Rise of Animals: Evolution and Diversification
of the Kingdom Animalia, John Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, USA, 2007, p. 328.
ID: 64507
Title: Dynamic response of anchoring layered rock slopes subjected to seismic loads
Author: Wei Zhou , Zhengman Ding and Tingting Ma
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 124 (9) 1088-1094 (2023)
Subject: Dynamic response of anchoring layered rock slopes subjected to seismic loads
Keywords: Anchor bolts, anti-seismic effect, dynamic response, layered rock slope, seismic loads.
Abstract: The seismic dynamic responses of rock slopes are a hot
topic for geotechnical engineering studies. Based on
the interaction between rock slope and anchor bolts, a
dynamic numerical model of a layered rock slope was
developed using the finite difference software FLAC3D.
The dynamic response patterns of anchored and natural
slopes under seismic loads were analysed to obtain the
supporting effect of anchor bolts during seismic activity.
The results indicate that under seismic loads, tensile
cracks at the intersection of the top and joint surface
develop into a drawing open surface of the back edge,
and a shear slip occurs at the base of the slope, both of
which result in the formation of tensile-shear slip failure.
Permanent slope displacement accumulates only when
seismic acceleration exceeds the critical acceleration.
The slope deformation has been constrained, and the
performance of the slope during the seismic activity has
been strengthened by anchor bolt supports, which significantly increase the ductility of the rock slope under
seismic loads. Moreover, during an earthquake, the axial
forces of anchor bolts in the middle slope rise more
than at any other position. After the earthquake, anchor
bolts in the middle have been shown to exhibit maximum axial force. As a complex problem, stability analysis
of seismic slopes is important. The analysis of seismic
slope failure and the mechanism of slope anchoring are
particularly complicated. The present study will help to
improve future research on the seismic design and dynamic analysis of slopes supported by anchor bolts.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Hung, J. J., Chi-Chi earthquake induced landslides in Taiwan.
Earthq. Eng. Eng. Seismol., 2000, 2(2), 25–33.
Ni, J. et al., Dysfunction and post-traumatic stress disorder in fracture victims 50 months after the Sichuan earthquake. PLoS ONE,
2013, 8, e77535.
Literature cited 2: Park, S., Wooseok, Kim, W., Lee, J. and Baek, Y., Case study on slope
stability changes caused by earthquakes – focusing on Gyeongju
5.8 ML EQ. Sustainability, 2018, 10(10), 3441.
Lin, C. W., Liu, S. H., Lee, S. Y. and Liu, C. C., Impacts of the Chi-Chi
earthquake on subsequent rainfall-induced landslides in Central
Taiwan. Eng. Geol., 2006, 86(2), 87–101.
ID: 64506
Title: Multi-sensor data fusion for precise measurement of a tractor implement performance in the field
Author: Tarandeep Singh, Aseem Verma, Manjeet Singh and Prabhnaman Kaur
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 124 (9) 1082-1087 (2023)
Subject: Multi-sensor data fusion for precise measurement of a tractor implement performance in the field
Keywords: Data logger, instrumentation system, performance assessment, sensors, tractor implements.
Abstract: A multi-sensor-based instrumentation system was assessed under static and dynamic conditions to precisely
measure a tractor-implement performance in the field.
The system was evaluated using a tractor and three different implements, viz. 11-tyne cultivator, three-bottom
ridger and nine-row spatially modified no-till drill. The
final results were compared with conventional measurement techniques. The range of disparity for wheel slip,
draft, inclination angle, fuel consumption, radiator fan
speed and forward speed was 4.24–5.99%, 2.63–4.95%,
2.68–7.20%, 3.78–5.64%, 3.37–4.81% and 3.04–4.97%
respectively. The system could measure real-time variations in the field and proved to be an energy- and timesaving device.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Shagun, Agri share in GDP hit 20% after 17 years: Economic Survey. Down to Earth (Agriculture), 29 January 2021.
Arjun, K. M., Indian agriculture – status, importance and role in Indian
economy. Int. J. Agric. Food Sci. Technol., 2013, 4(4), 343–346
Literature cited 2: Mondal, P., Basu, M. and Bhadoria, P. B. S., Critical review of precision agriculture technologies and its scope of adoption in India. Am.
J. Exp. Agric., 2013, 1(3), 49–68.
Singh, C. D. and Singh, R. C., Computerized instrumentation system
for monitoring the tractor performance in the field. J. Terramech.,
2011, 48(5), 333–338