ID: 63453
Title: Indian scenario on the occurrence of a dreaded insect pest pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella on Bt cotton –A review
Author: G.M.V.Prasada Rao
Editor: Dr.Sumati Gaumat
Year: 2022
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Journal of Environmental Biology Vol. 43 (1) 11-19 (2022)
Subject: Indian scenario on the occurrence of a dreaded insect pest pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella on Bt cotton –A review
Keywords: Bt cotton, Cry toxins, Management, options, Pectinophora gossypiella, Pink bollworm
Abstract: The pink bollworm , Pectinophora gossypiella, has become a significant production constraint on Bt cotton in India. This problem is unique to India because the pest has developed multi-fold resistance to Cry toxins in many Indian populations but not in other countries.
Most India populations have developed multifold resistance to Cry 1 Ac and Cry 1Ac+ Cry 2 Ab toxins. Year-round cultivation of long-duration Bt cotton hybrids on a large scale has a pronounced impact on the incidence. Also discussed other factors responsible for the occurrence of pink bollworm on Bt cotton in India. Insecticide Resistance Management (IRM) strategies implemented by different cotton-growing countries globally; the USA, India and China had a significant impact on the interaction of pink bollworm on Bt cotton.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: AICCIP Annual Report: Al India Coordinated Cotton Improvement Project, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu (2015-16).
AICCIP Annual Report: All India Coordinated Cotton Improvement Project, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu (2016-17)
Literature cited 2: August Busck: The Pink bollworm, Pectinophora Pectinophora gossypiella. J. Agr. Res., 9, 343-30 (1917).
Barlett, AA. C: Resistance of the pink bollworm to Bt transgenic cotton. In Proceedings, Beltwide Cotton Conferences.Naonal Cotton Council of America, Memphis, TN. Pp.766-768 (1995).
ID: 63452
Title: Utilization of biomolecules as fuel energy and their physiological mechanism during migration in birds-A review
Author: A.S.Dixit, R.Chetri and N.S.Singh
Editor: Dr.Sumati Gaumat
Year: 2022
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Journal of Environmental Biology Vol. 43 (1) 1 -10 (2022)
Subject: Utilization of biomolecules as fuel energy and their physiological mechanism during migration in birds
Keywords: Birds, Bio molecules, Energy, Fasting, Fattening, Metabolites, Migration
Abstract: Migratory birds undergo physiological and behavioural changes to fuel their high energy demanding migratory flights. They increase their food intake as part of the preparation for migration which results in increase in their body mass. Ft, carbohydrates and protein acquired from food are stored mainly in the adipose tissue (triglycerides), muscle and liver (Glycogen) and body organs (protein) in migratory birds. These stored foods ac as fuels to support birds’ migratory flights. Dietary carbohydrates and lipids not only provide energy for migration but also help in fattening as carbohydrates can be converted into fat and lipids which can be stored. Lipolysis of adipose –stored fats leads to the production of triglycerides, fatty acids and glycerol, which provide energy for migration. Fats are depleted after long migratory flights and replenished during refuelling at the stopover sites.
Being chemically reduced and hydrophobic in nature, fat releases more energy on oxidation as compared to carbohydrate and protein. Due to its high energy-yielding nature, that fat is the preferred fuel to support migration in birds. Migratory birds deposit fat and deplete it during the course of migration. Though, the stored fat act as the primary source of energy, metabolism of body protein also provides energy for migratory flights. Uric acid in plasma is elevated when protein is catabolised .The metabolism of carbohydrate, stored as glycogen in liver and muscle in migratory birds, produce glucose which also fuels migration. Glucose in migratory is maintained at stable levels in plasma and it provides energy only for a flight of short period.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Akesson, S. and B.Helm: Endogenous programs and flexibility in bird migration. Front. Eco. Evo., 78, 1-20 (2020)
Alerstam, T. and Lindstorm: Optimal bird migration: the relative importance of time, energy and safety. In: Bird Migration: Physiology and Ecophysiology (Ed: E.Gwinner): Springer –Verlag, New York, pp. 331-351 (1990).
Literature cited 2: Bairlein, F: How to get fat: Nutritional mechanisms of seasonal fat accumulation in migratory songbirds. Naturwissenchaften, 89, 1-10 (2002).
Banerjee, S. and C.M. Chaturvedi: Migratory preparation associated alterations in pectoralis muscle biochemistry and ptroteome in Paleactic-Indian emberizid migratory finch, redheaded bunting, Emberiza bruniceps. Comp.Biochem.Physiol, 17, 9-25 (2016).
ID: 63451
Title: Study of decadal variations in width and mangrove cover of the Thane Creek, Maharashtra, India, using remote sensing
Author: Study of decadal variations in width and mangrove cover of the Thane Creek, Maharashtra, India, using remote sensing
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 (3) 363 -370 (2023)
Subject: Study of decadal variations in width and mangrove cover of the Thane Creek, Maharashtra, India, using remote sensing
Keywords: Creek, decadal variations, mangrove cover, mudflats, remote sensing.
Abstract: The present study depicts decadal variations in the area,
width and mangrove cover of Thane Creek, Maharashtra, India, using the remote sensing technique. The
study is significant because the Creek has lush-green
mangrove cover on its vast intertidal region and considerable urban developmental activities are occurring
around it. Landsat datasets were used for different
years from 1972 to 2014 and Sentinel 2A satellite data
were used for the year 2020. To understand the variations
in width from mouth to upstream, the Creek was divided
into three zones, viz. mouth, middle and upstream. For
mangrove cover estimation, supervized classification
analysis was used for images from 2005 to 2014, while object-based image classification analysis with multispectral resolution was used for images from 2020. From
the results, it can be confirmed that there is an overall
increase in the spatial extent of mangroves and a reduction in the width of Thane Creek. The study also shows
that creek width had decreased by 1.15 km at the mouth
and 0.08 km at the upstream end from 1972 to 2020,
while mangrove cover had increased by 14.1 km2 from
2005 to 2020 (15 years). The overall reduction in the area
between the west and east banks of the Creek was
around 15.3 km2 from 1972 to 2020. This study shows
that Thane Creek is rapidly narrowing at its northern
end
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Chaves, A. B. and Lakshumanan, C., Remote sensing and GIS-based
integrated study and analysis for mangrove wetland restoration in
Ennore creek, Chennai, South India. In Proceedings of Taal 2007.
The 12th Word Lake, Jaipur, Rajasthan, 2007, pp. 685–690.
Borkar, M. U., Quadros, G. and Athalye, R. P., Threats to mangroves
Thane creek and Ulhas river Estuary, India. J. Coast. Dev., 2007,
11, 49–57.
Literature cited 2: Vijay, V., Biradar, R. S., Inamdar, A., Deshmukh, G., Baji, S. and
Madhavi, P., Mangrove mapping and change detection around
Mumbai (Bombay) using remotely sensed data. Indian J. Geo-Mar.
Sci., 2005, 34, 310–315.
Nayak, S. and Bahuguna, A., Application of remote sensing data to
monitor mangroves and other coastal vegetation of India. Indian J.
Geo-Mar. Sci., 2001, 30, 195–213.
ID: 63450
Title: Sahyadri gourd (Momordica sahyadrica): a lesser-known albeit important traditional vegetable
Author: Chaudhari Ganesh Vasudeo, A. R. Desai , Parag M. Gawas , Dhillan Velip and Parveen Kumar
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 (3) 359 -363 (2023)
Subject: Sahyadri gourd (Momordica sahyadrica): a lesser-known albeit important traditional vegetable
Keywords: Climate resilience, hermaphrodite flower, Momordica sahyadrica, neutraceutical benefits, Sahyadri gourd, traditional vegetables.
Abstract: The World Vegetable Center, Taiwan regards traditional
vegetables as one of the important means of ‘climateresilient pathways’. Momordica sahyadrica is a lesserknown traditional vegetable having neutraceutical virtues.
It grows well under marginal input and partial shade
environment, thereby, it aptly highlights one of its niche
attributes, ‘climate resilience’. It is endemic to the typical
habitat of the Western Ghats (Sahyadri mountain range)
and is a distinguished species of the well-known vegetable
genus Momordica. Popularizing this species, conservation through cultivation, and further focused research
and development using various techniques will facilitate
the recovery of promising genotypes and mainstreaming
of this Sahyadri gourd.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: 1. Kuo, C. G., Schafleitner, R., Schreinemachers, P. and Wopereis, M.
C. S., Vegetables and Climate Change: Pathways to Resilience.
WorldVeg Publication No. 20-843, 2020; https://worldveg.tind.
io/record/73383?ln=en (accessed on 26 July 2022).
Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund, Biodiversity hotspots, 2022;
https://www.cepf.net/our-work/biodiversity-hotspots (accessed on
26 July 2022)
Literature cited 2: Ramalhete, C., Gonçalves, B. M. F., Barbosa, F., Duarte, N. and
Ferreira, M.-J. U., Momordica balsamina: phytochemistry and pharmacological potential of a gifted species. Phytochem. Rev., 2022,
21, 617–646; https://doi.org/10.1007/s11101-022-09802-7.
Kattukunnel, J. J. and Antony, V. T., Momordica sahyadrica sp. nov.
(Cucurbitaceae), an endemic species of Western Ghats of India.
Nordic J. Bot., 2007, 24, 539–542
ID: 63449
Title: Financial burden of psychiatric disorders of Telangana state, India
Author: Gopala Sarma Poduri
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 (3) 355 -358 (2023)
Subject: Financial burden of psychiatric disorders of Telangana state, India
Keywords: Case study, cost estimation, financial burden, health budget, psychiatric disorders.
Abstract: Psychiatric disorders can be devastating, causing damage
to the patient, his/her family and society. Financial aspect
is the main criterion in a disease or group of diseases
for decision-making, planning and prioritizing issues.
The aim of the present study was to estimate the tangible
cost of psychiatric disorders per annum in Telangana,
India, from societal perspective. Cost estimation of
various components was done under direct and indirect
heads. The direct costs included were consultation,
drugs, inpatients, investigations, procedures, psychologist consultation, rehabilitation and travel for treatment.
The indirect costs included attendant, disability benefits,
faith healing, loss of taxes on earnings, patients in conflict
with the law, student training, statutory bodies, substance
abuse, suicide and attempted suicide, work absence/loss
of wages and productivity. Costs were also estimated
based on other published works and local conditions.
Of the Rs 140,963.0 crore cost, direct costs were only a
small fraction (2%) while fraction indirect costs were
high (98%). Cost due to wages and productivity loss accounted for 55% of the total cost. The estimated arrived
at was several times more than the total health budget of
the state. Thus, there is an urgent need to improve and
expand mental health services to reduce the financial
burden
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: 1. https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day
Sagar, R. et al., The burden of mental disorders across the states of
India: The Global Burden of Disease Study 1990–2017. India State
Level Disease Burden Initiative Mental Disorders Collaborators.
Lancet Psychiatry, 2020, 7, 148–161.
Literature cited 2: World Mental Health Day: Nearly half of India Inc employees suffer from depression, 30 April 2020; https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/world-mental-health-day-nearlyhalf-of-india-inc-employees-suffer-from-depression/articleshow/
66119215.Cms?Utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text
&utm_campaign=cppst
Math, S. B. et al., Cost estimation for the implementation of the
Mental Healthcare Act 2017. Indian J. Psychiatry, 2019, 61(Suppl.
S4), 650–659
ID: 63448
Title: Cannibalistic nature and time of habitat occupancy of invasive maize fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda are the key factors for competitive displacement of native stem borer, Sesamia inferens in India
Author: C. M. Kalleshwaraswamy, J. Divya , H. B. Mallikarjuna , Sharanabasappa S. Deshmukh and C. Sunil
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 (3) 348 -354 (2023)
Subject: Cannibalistic nature and time of habitat occupancy of invasive maize fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda are the key factors for competitive displacement of native stem borer, Sesamia inferens in India
Keywords: Cannibalistic nature, competitive displacement, fall armyworm, habitat occupancy, larval density, stem borer.
Abstract: Invasion of fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) has been implicated in
reducing the incidence of native stem borers in India.
The present study aimed to verify the reasons for the
displacement of native stem borers using S. frugiperda
and pink stem borer, Sesamia inferens (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Field incidence of FAW and S. inferens was recorded during the 2020 and 2021 wet seasons,
indicating negligible field incidence of S. inferens compared to FAW. In controlled greenhouse experiments,
the competition was measured by releasing larvae at
different densities into the maize whorl and also by
varying their release at two-day intervals among the
two species tested. In competition assays, the frequency
of cannibalism increased with increasing density. The
study documents that cannibalistic nature and early
habitat occupancy in the whorls by FAW are the key
factors involved in reducing the incidence of native
stem borer, S. inferens
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Bruno, J. F., Fridley, J. D., Bromberg, K. D. and Bertness, M. D.,
Insights into biotic interactions from studies of species invasions.
In Species Invasions: Insights into Ecology, Evolution and Biogeography (eds Sax, D. F., Stachowicz, J. J. and Gaines, S. D.), Sinauer
Associates Inc. Publishers, Sunderland, MA, USA, 2005, pp. 13–40.
Bentivenha, J. P. F., Baldin, E. L. L., Hunt, T. E., Paula-Moraes, S. V.
and Blankenship, E. E., Intraguild competition of three noctuid
maize pests. Environ. Entomol., 2016, 45, 999–1008
Literature cited 2: Chapman, J. W., Williams, T., Escribano, A., Caballero, P., Cave,
R. D. and Goulson, D., Fitness consequences of cannibalism in the fall
armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda. Behav. Ecol., 1999, 10(3),
298–303.
Gao, Y. and Reitz, S. R., Emerging themes in our understanding of
species displacements. Annu. Rev. Entomol., 2017, 62, 165–183.
ID: 63447
Title: Geoelectrical study for groundwater resources in parts of the Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar cities, Gujarat, India
Author: Rakesh Nikam, G. Pavankumar, Vasu Pancholi , Dilip Singh, Mehul Nagar , D. Nagarjuna and Sumer Chopra
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 (3) 340 -347 (2023)
Subject: Geoelectrical study for groundwater resources in parts of the Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar cities, Gujarat, India
Keywords: Aquifers, borehole data, groundwater, sedimentary basins, two-dimensional resistivity imaging
Abstract: The central alluvial plains of Gujarat, western India,
consist of deposits of north–south flowing rivers from the
Aravalli hills. The Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad districts in the state form a part of the Cambay basin and are
occupied by Quaternary alluvium comprising mainly of
sand, gravel, silt clay, kankar, etc. Direct current (DC)
electrical resistivity studies have been carried out at six
sites in Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad cities to map
groundwater levels and major shallow subsurface geoelectric layers using a 72-electrode resistivity imaging
system. Two dimensional (2D) resistivity models and borehole data infer a multilayered aquifer system in Ahmedabad. The top confined aquifer is at a depth of 22–25 m
and the second unconfined aquifer is at a 60–65 m
depth. These two aquifers are separated by highly compacted clay/clayey sand. For the two locations in Ahmedabad city, the 2D resistivity model suggests 10–15 m
variation in the groundwater level. In Gandhinagar, as
the survey location is close to the Sabarmati River and
the exploitation of groundwater is less than in Ahmedabad, the groundwater table is at shallow level. Further,
the resistivity estimates suggest that, at all three locations,
the groundwater is moderately saline. The infer resistivity sections are correlated with groundwater level and
borehole data.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Kumar, G. P., Mahender, E., Singh, Y. K., Mahesh, P. and Mohan, K.,
Delineation of aquifer layer along Anjar–Rapar corridor, eastern Kachchh basin, Gujarat using electromagnetic investigations. J. Indian
Geophys. Union, 2016, 20, 201–208.
2. Aktarakci, H. K., Harthill, H. and Blohm, M. W., Time domain
electromagnetic survey for gold exploration, Nevada. Geophysics,
1977, 62, 1409–1418.
Literature cited 2: Ebraheem, A. M., Hamburger, M. W., Bayless, E. R. and Krothe,
N. C., A study of acid mine drainage using earth resistivity measurements. Ground Water, 1990, 28, 361–368.
Danielsen, J. E., Auken, E., Jørgensena, F., Søndergaard, V. and
Sørensena, K. I., The application of the transient electromagnetic
method in hydrogeophysical surveys. J. Appl. Geophys., 2003, 53,
181–198
ID: 63446
Title: Iron technology in medieval Kerala: archaeometallurgical studies on iron artefacts from Triprangode
Author: Mo Rizwan Ahmad Qureshi , Nishkarsh Srivastava , Alok Kumar Kanungo, Amit Arora and Krishna Raj, K
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 (3) 333 -339 (2023)
Subject: Iron technology in medieval Kerala: archaeometallurgical studies on iron artefacts from Triprangode
Keywords: Archaeometallurgical studies, AMS dating, iron artefacts, medieval period, microstructure
Abstract: Iron was a new entrant and a must in weaponry in the
2nd and 1st millennium BCE. There is every possibility
of iron being used for generations, and deposited or
hidden it for use in the times of need or even as a part
of religious activities. Dating iron has been mostly based
on the associated finds, and iron has been repeatedly
melted, shaped and reused. Differentiating the iron in
use at present from that in earlier times has been a challenge, and requires the dating of artefacts. Chemical objects characterization is contextual-specific. Three iron
objects recovered from a cave near Triprangode, Kerala,
India was studied using various analytical techniques to
understand the metallurgical characteristics such as
microstructure, phases, inclusions and production technology. The artefact was also dated using accelerator
mass spectroscopy (AMS). The three artefacts included
two swords and a tripod, which were reported to belong
to the 1st millennium BCE based on associated pottery
finds and typological comparison. Optical microscopy
and scanning electron microscopy techniques were employed for microstructure analysis. X-ray fluorescence
analysis was used to identify the elements present in the
samples. X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive X-ray
spectroscopy analyses were performed to identify the
phases present in the samples. AMS radiocarbon dating
was carried out to determine the age of the artefacts. A
combination of these techniques helped identify the
iron-making process.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Jaikishan, S., Survey of iron and wootz steel production sites in
northern Telangana. Indian J. Hist. Sci., 2007, 42, 445–460.
Singh, A. K., Kanungo, A. K., Selvakumar, V. and Arora, A., Ancient
high carbon steel from South Tamil Nadu, India: microstructural
and elemental analysis, Curr. Sci., 2021, 121, 239–247.
Literature cited 2: Srinivasan, S., Indian iron and steel, with special reference to
southern India. In The World of Iron, Archetype Press, London,
2013, pp. 83–90.
Thiele, A., Smelting experiments in the early medieval fajszi-type
bloomery and the metallurgy of iron bloom, Period. Polytech.
Mech. Eng., 2010, 54, 99–104.
ID: 63445
Title: DNA barcoding of rotifers along the Cochin backwaters, southwest coast of India
Author: Asha Ravi, Sandhya Sukumaran , Molly Varghese and Neenu Raj
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 (3) 327 -332 (2023)
Subject: DNA barcoding of rotifers along the Cochin backwaters, southwest coast of India
Keywords: Backwaters, DNA barcoding, partial sequences, pure culture, rotifer
Abstract: This study examines the DNA barcoding of rotifers from
the Cochin backwaters, Kerala, India, with specimens
obtained from the pure culture, using primers LCO1490/
HCO2198 and a recently reported primer 30F/885R
which was designed especially for the rotifers. Partial
sequences of the mitochondrial COI gene from five species belonging to three genera (Brachionus, Keratella and
Asplanchna) and two families (Brachionidae and Asplanchnidae) of the order Ploimida were generated. All the
obtained nucleotide sequences were submitted to NCBI
(accession numbers: OL477582–OL477584, OL477586
and OL757796)
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Duggan, I. C., The ecology of periphytic rotifers. Rotifera IX, 2001,
139–148.
Segers, H., The nomenclature of the Rotifera: annotated checklist
of valid family and genus-group names. J. Nat. Hist., 2002, 36(6),
631–640.
Literature cited 2: Nogrady, T., Biology, ecology and systematics. In Guide to the
Identification of the Macroinvertebrates of the Continental Waters
of the World, Rotifera, 1993, vol. 1, p. 142.
Wallace, R. L. and Snell, T. W., Rotifera. In Ecology and Classification
of North American Freshwater Invertebrates (eds Thorpe, J. and
Covich, A.), Academic Press, New York, USA, 1991, pp. 187–248.
ID: 63444
Title: An optimal vaccination strategy for pandemic management and its impact on economic recovery
Author: Vansh Kodesia , Ankur Suri and Sarita Azad
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 (3) 319 -326 (2023)
Subject: An optimal vaccination strategy for pandemic management and its impact on economic recovery
Keywords: Economic recovery, mobility, nonlinear regression, pandemic management, reproduction number, vaccination strategy.
Abstract: The economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has
been devastating for countries across the world. We
propose a novel method for estimating reproduction
number (R0) using community mobility to obtain optimal
vaccination coverage (OVC). Different scenarios for
achieving the desired immunization rates are evaluated
using nonlinear regression models. The impact of recovery
rates on mobility is also assessed to determine how the
economy would have fared in various scenarios. Lockdowns due to COVID-19, which restricted mobility, were
the main cause of the decline in GDP. For the city of
Mumbai in India, with an increase in recovery rate
from 1% to 5%, it was observed that mobility and thus
economic activity might have been restored to some extent. The findings presented here may aid the governing
bodies in developing more effective emergency response
plans.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Fan, V. Y., Jamison, D. T. and Summers, L. H., Pandemic risk: how
large are the expected losses? Bull. WHO, 2018, 96(2), 129–134.
Poonia, N. and Azad, S., The spatio-temporal trajectory of COVID19 in India: insight into past pandemics and future recommendations. Curr. Sci., 2021, 121(11), 1425–1432.
Literature cited 2: Azad, S. and Devi, S., Tracking the spread of COVID-19 in India
via social networks in the early phase of the pandemic. J. Travel
Med., 2020, 27(8), 1–9.
Andrews, M. A. et al., First confirmed case of COVID-19 infection
in India: a case report. Indian J. Med. Res., 2020, 151(5), 490–492.
ID: 63443
Title: Impact of lifestyle intervention among prediabetic individuals
Author: R. Grace Janet Mary Ann and K. Karthiga
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 (3) 313 -318 (2023)
Subject: Impact of lifestyle intervention among prediabetic individuals
Keywords: Blood glucose, diet, exercise, lifestyle, prediabetes.
Abstract: Prediabetes is a stage before diabetes that refers to impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance,
or a combination of both. Sedentary work and unhealthy
food patterns lead to prediabetes, and lifestyle modification is important. Hence the present study focuses on
the impact of lifestyle intervention among prediabetic
persons. One hundred and twenty-five people, excluding
patients diagnosed with diabetes, from the Arthur Asirvatham Hospital in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India were
selected for the study. Demographic details were collected and anthropometric measurements like height,
weight, body mass index and waist–hip ratio were made.
The blood samples were analysed for fasting blood sugar,
postprandial blood sugar, glycosylated haemoglobin,
lipid profile and urine samples for urine microalbuminuria. Blood pressure was also measured. The participants were given a strict diet and exercise chart, after
which they were followed up for six months. The collected
data were analysed using appropriate statistical methods.
Of the 125 prediabetes subjects enrolled, the mean age
was 41.65 ± 7.56 years, with 71.2% male and 28.8%
female. The mean height of the patients throughout the
study was 159 ± 10.04 (cm). Overall there was a statistically significant reduction in weight (65.3 ± 13.24–64.4 ±
12.86 kg), body mass index (25.8 ± 4.42 to 25.5 ±
4.29 kg/m2
), fasting (111 ± 10.42 to 107 ± 8.5 mg/dl),
postprandial blood sugar (159 ± 19.35 to 152 ± 18.8 mg/gl)
and glycosylated haemoglobin (5.8 ± 0.18% to 5.7 ±
0.2%) between baseline and various follow-up visits (P <
0.05). Lifestyle intervention had a greater impact on
lipid profile and no change in urine microalbuminuria
in baseline and final visits. The study concludes that lifestyle intervention significantly impacts prediabetic subjects to avoid type-2 diabetes and its complications.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Madhu, S. V., RSSDI diabetes update. In Jaypee Digital Explore
Health Science, New Delhi, 2016, chap. 68, p. 376.
WHO, Diet, nutrition, and the prevention of chronic diseases: report of
a joint WHO/FAO expert consultation. World Health Organization,
Geneva, Switzerland, 2003, vol. 916
Literature cited 2: Seidel, M. C., Powell, R. O., Zgibor, J. C., Siminerio, L. M. and Piatt,
G. A., Translating the Diabetes Prevention Program into an urban
medically underserved community: a nonrandomized prospective
intervention study. Diabetes Care, 2008, 31(4), 684–689.
Mohan, V., Early onset of type 2 diabetes RSSDI textbook of Diabetes mellitus, 201
ID: 63442
Title: Diversity and role of flower visitors in onion seed production
Author: M. Pushpalatha, C. S. Patil and Dnyaneshwar M. Firake
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 (3) 304 -312 (2023)
Subject: Diversity and role of flower visitors in onion seed production
Keywords: Floral biology, foraging ecology, onion, pollinators, species diversity.
Abstract: Onion flowers attract a wide range of visitors, including
pollinators. Many factors influence the abundance of
floral visitors in onion, such as flower size, shape, colour,
weather parameters and the availability of floral rewards. Quality seed production in onion (Allium cepa
L.) is mainly driven by insect pollinators because of its
protandrous nature and cross-pollination. The type of
flower visitors, their numbers and the time of their visitation determine the pollination efficiency. Bees are the
major pollinating agents in onions under natural conditions. However, using chemical pesticides against pests
and diseases of onions during bloom decreases the diversity in and around crop fields. Anthropogenic factors like
urbanization could have negative impacts on insect pollination services. Therefore, it is critical to adopt a sustainable approach to retain and conserve the existing insect
pollinators and their diversity in the onion ecosystem. In
this study, we review the research work done so far on the
diversity and role of flower visitors and pollinators in
onion seed production and the various factors affecting
their survival and services in the onion ecosystem.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Brewster, J. L., Flowering and seed production. In Onions and other
Vegetable Alliums, CAB International, United Kingdom, 1994, pp.
122–145.
Anon., Agricultural development in India. Crop growth statistics.
Indiastat, 2022; http://www.indiastat.com/data/agriculture
Literature cited 2: Anon., Seed production – onion. Directorate of Onion and Garlic
Research, Pune, 2022; https://dogr.icar.gov.in/index.php?option=
com_content&view=article&id=55&Itemid=155&lang=en
Kavitha, S. J. and Rami Reddy, P. V., Floral biology and pollination
ecology of onion (Allium cepa L.). J. Pharmacogn. Phytochem.,
2018, 7, 2081–2084
ID: 63441
Title: Elasmobranch conservation, challenges and management strategy in India: recommendations from a national consultative meeting
Author: K. V. Akhilesh, Shoba Joe Kizhakudan, M. Muktha, T. M. Najmudeen, Sujitha Thomas, Divya Karnad, Dipani Sutaria, Merwyn Fernandes, Trisha Gupta, Naveen Namboothri, Vardhan Patankar, Swatipriyanka Sen, Sijo P. Varghese, A. Biju Kumar, Alissa Barnes,
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 (3) 292 -303 (2023)
Subject: Elasmobranch conservation, challenges and management strategy in India: recommendations from a national consultative meeting
Keywords: Consultative meeting, elasmobranch, fisheries, management and conservation, regulations.
Abstract: Historically, India has been projected as one of the major elasmobranch fishing nations in the
world. However, management and conservation efforts are not commensurate with this trend. Along
with the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, several generic conservation measures are in place at the
regional/local level. But India is still a long way from meeting global conservation commitments. We
present here the status of elasmobranch management and conservation in India, with the specific objective of identifying the gaps in the existing set-up. We also present recommendations based on a national
consultative workshop held at the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kochi, in February
2020. We recommend the implementation of a National Plan of Action (NPOA-Sharks) and more inclusive governance and policymaking for elasmobranch conservation in India.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Dulvy, N. K. et al., Extinction risk and conservation of the world’s
sharks and rays. Elife, 2014, 3, e00590; https://doi.org/10.7554/
eLife.005.
Stevens, J. D., Bonfil, R., Dulvy, N. K. and Walker, P. A., The effects of fishing on sharks, rays, and chimaeras (chondrichthyans),
and the implications for marine ecosystems. ICES J. Mar. Sci.,
2000, 57, 476–494
Literature cited 2: Worm, B. et al., Global catches, exploitation rates, and rebuilding
options for sharks. Mar. Policy, 2013, 40, 194–204.
Dulvy, N. K. et al., Overfishing drives over one-third of all sharks
and rays toward a global extinction crisis. Curr. Biol., 2021,
31(21), 4773–4787.
ID: 63440
Title: Propagation through root suckers in Garcinia lanceifolia Roxb., an endemic medicinal plant species of North East India
Author: Ajay Kumar, Ankur Jyoti Sarika,Prosanta Hazarika
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 (3) 291 -291 (2023)
Subject: Propagation through root suckers in Garcinia lanceifolia Roxb., an endemic medicinal plant species of North East India
Keywords: Propagation,root suckers,Garcinia lanceifolia,endemic medicinal plant species,North East India
Abstract: The genus Garcinia (family: Clusiaceae)
consists of about 250 species distributed
throughout the world. It is represented by
43 species and five varieties in the Indian
subcontinent. Garcinia lanceifolia (G. Don)
Roxb. Syn., G. lanceifolia var. oxyphylla
(Planch. & Triana) Laness. is an important
yet less known endemic medicinal plant
found in Assam (plains of Upper Brahmaputra and Barak valley), Meghalaya (Khasi
and Garo Hills), Nagaland in North East
India, and the southern part of Bangladesh. Locally known as Rupahi thekera
(Assamese), Kengrapal (Garo) and Dieng
Soh Jadu (Khasi), this plant species is reported as rare in wild conditions, occurring
only under cultivation in homestead gardens and generally grown under dense
shade of other trees
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Ghosh, A., Banik, S., Amin, M. N. and
Ahmed, J., J. Tradit. Complement. Med.,
2018, 8(2), 303–307; https://doi.org/10.
1016/j.jtcme.2017.04.009.
Kanjilal, U. N., Kanjilal, P. C., De, R. N.
and Das, A., Flora of Assam. Vols IV, Allied Book Centre, Dehra Dun, 1991, pp.
114–115.
Literature cited 2: Chowdhury, T. and Handique, P. J., Int. J.
Pharm. Sci., 2012, 3(6), 1663–1667.
Dutta, D., Hazarika, P. and Hazarika, P.,
Int. J. Curr. Res., 2017, 9(10), 59644–59655.
ID: 63439
Title: Nutritional value of representative termite species with an emphasis on Odontotermes obesus (Rambur)
Author: M. Ranjith, C. M. Kalleshwaraswamy, Sharanabasappa S. Deshmukh and G. A. Kavya Yadav
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 (2) 257 -260 (2023)
Subject: Nutritional value of representative termite species with an emphasis on Odontotermes obesus (Rambur)
Keywords: Coptotermes heimi, crude fat, edible protein, imagoes, Microtermes obesi, nutritional value, Odontotermes obesus.
Abstract: Dewinged termite imagoes are considered to be delicious
human food around the world. The nutrient composition may vary with respect to the species. In the present
study, imagoes of three termite species, viz. Odontotermes obesus, Coptotermes heimi and Microtermes obesi
were used to compare their protein composition. Additionally, the commonest species, O. obesus was used for proximate and mineral composition analysis. The nutritional analysis of termites indicated a higher percentage of protein in C. heimi, followed by O. obesus. The
proximate analysis of O. obesus imagoes revealed a
higher proportion of crude fat followed by crude protein.
Macrominerals were recorded in a higher proportion
with potassium as one of the major minerals followed
by sodium, while in microelements iron and zinc were
represented in greater quantities.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Igwe, C. U., Ujowundu, C. O., Nwaogu, L. A. and Okwu, G. N.,
Chemical analysis of an edible African termite, Macrotermes nigeriensis; a potential antidote to food security problem. Biochem.
Anal. Biochem., 2011, 1(1), 1–4
Chakravorty, J., Diversity of edible insects and practices of entomophagy in India: an overview. J. Biodivers. Biopros. Dev., 2014,
1(3), 1–6; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2376-0214.1000124
Literature cited 2: Cerritos, R., Insects as food: an ecological, social and economical
approach. CAB Rev. Perspect. Agric. Vet. Sci. Nutr. Nat. Resour.,
2009, 4(27), 1–10.
Kinyuru, J. N., Kenji, G. M. and Njoroge, M. S., Process development, nutrition and sensory qualities of wheat buns enriched with
edible termites (Macrotermes subhyalinus) from Lake Victoria region, Kenya. Afr. J. Food Agric. Nutr. Dev., 2009, 9(8), 1739–1750;
doi:10.4314/ajfand.v9i8.48411.