ID: 61205
Title: Phosphorus dynamics in mangroves of India.
Author: Gurmeet Singh, Rita Chauhan, Rajesh Kumar Ranjan, M.Balakrishna Prasad and AL.Ramanathan.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2015
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 108 (10) 1874-1881 (2015)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Biogeochemistry, fractionation, mangroves, nutrient cycling, phosphorus
Abstract: Phosphorus (P) is an essential nutrient which plays a key role in global biogeochemical cycles. Costal ecosystems such as mangroves are an important sink which can trap significant quantities of P. The phosphorus as such deposited in sediments is not available to the organisms, but is converted to bioavailable forms as dissolved orthophosphate through a series of biogeochemical reactions. Several studies on phosphorus reservoirs, transport rates (fluxes) and residence times are reported from different ecosystems across the world. In the present article, an effort has been made to compile and review the scientific research carried out on phosphorus biogeochemistry in the mangroves of India.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: Kristensen, E., Bouillon, S., Dittmar, T. and Marchand, C., Organic carbon dynamics in mangrove ecosystems: a review. Aquat.Bot. 2008, 29, 201-219.
Boto, K., G., Nutrients and mangroves. In Pollution in Tropical Aquatic Systems (eds Connell, D.W. and Hawker, D.W.), CRC Press, Boca Raton, Florida, 1992, pp. 63-69.
Literature cited 2: Ayukai, T., Miller, D., Wolanksi, E. and Spagnol, S., Fluxes of nutrients and dissolved and particulate organic matter in two mangrove creeks in northeastern Australia.Mangr.Salt Marshes, 1998, 2, 223-230.
Nielsen, T.an Andersen, F., Phosphorus dynamics during decomposition of mangrove (Rhizosphora apiculata) leaves in sediments.J.Exp.Mar.Biol.Ecol, 2003, 293, 73-88.
ID: 61204
Title: Assessment of environmental flow requirements for hydropower projects in India.
Author: Sharad K.Jain
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2015
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 108 (10) 1815-1825 (2015)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Environmental flow, flow duration curve, hydropower projects, river ecosystems.
Abstract: Increasing water withdrawals from many rivers of the world is leading to severe degradation in river ecosystems. Water is allocated for environmental needs so that a river can perform its natural functions. Environmental flows (EF) try to strike a balance between the use of water of a river for economic development, societal needs and delivering ecosystem services. This article describes a framework to assess environmental flows for a hydropower project in India in a situation where limited hydrological and very limited ecosystem data are available. It recommends that in such a situation, an acceptable EF regime can be arrived at by analysing hydrological data, supplemented by whatever ecosystem data are available and creating various scenarios of EFs. Benefits and impacts of different EF scenarios can then form the basis to determine an appropriate EF regime. Application of the framework is demonstrated in a case study in India. Adaptive management, where feedbacks are used to update and improve the decisions is helpful in such situations.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: Bunn, S.E. and Arthington, A.H., Basic principles and ecological consequences of altered flow regimes for aquatic biodiversity.Environ.Manage, 2002, 30 (4), 492-507.
Poff, N.L. and Zimmerman, J.K.H., Ecological responses to altered flow regimes: a literature review to inform the science and management of environmental flows. Freshwater Biol., 2010, 55, 194-205.
Literature cited 2: Poff, N.L.et al., The natural flow regime. A paradigm for river conservation and restoration. Bioscience, 1997, 47, 769-784.
Karr, J.R., Biological integrity: a long-neglected aspect of water resource management.Ecol.Appl, 1991, 1, 66-84.
ID: 61203
Title: ' Species concept ' in microbial taxonomy and systematics
Author: Rohit Sharma, Ashish V.Polkade and Yogesh S.Shouche
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2015
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 108 (10) 1804-1814 (2015)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Archaea, Bacteria, fungi, species concept, taxonomy and systematic
Abstract: Species is the basic unit of identification of a large diversity of organisms. The concept of species is old and has undergone several changes depending on the kind of organism(s).Earlier concepts were formulated considering mostly macro organisms (plants or animals).In 21st century the microbial species concept took shape which changed from morphological, ecological, biological and phylogenetic to more agreeable polyphasic species concept. Polyphasic species concept involves a combination of characters such as morphology, physiology, biochemical markers and sequencing of various regions of the DNA known as molecular markers. There are also specific criteria such as DNA-DNA hybridization for complex genera of Bacteria and Archaea, extrolite profiling for complex genera of fungi, etc. Although species concept and taxonomy of Bacteria are more systematic than fungi, taxonomy in two domains (bacteria, archaea) and fungi of eukarya domain is undergoing changes. The time is not far when genome sequencing will be considered as another criterion for delineating species. This article also discusses the role of various techniques (MALDI, FAME etc) in species identification. The concept of Candidatus species and species annotation for metagenomic studies is also discussed. We briefly describe the criteria used to delineate species various microbes and the need for different species concepts based on the kind of organism.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: de queiroz, K., Ernst Mayr and the modern concept of species.Proc.Natl.Acad.Sci.USA, 2005, 102, 6600-6607
De Queiroz, K., Species concepts and species delimitation.Syst.Biol. 2007, 56 (6), 879-886.
Literature cited 2: Darwin, C., On the Origin of Species by Mans of Natural Selection of the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life, John Murray, London, 1859.
Harrington, T.C. and Rizzo, D.M., Defining species in the fungi. In Structure and Dynamics of Fungal Populations (ed.Worrall, J.J.), Kluwer, Dordrecht, The Netherlands, 1999, pp.43-71.
ID: 61202
Title: Study of two xanthenes dyes using spectrally resolved three-pulse photon echo spectroscopy.
Author: Ajitesh Kumar, S.K.Karthick Kumar, Sumit Singhal and Debabrata Goswami
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2015
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 108 (10) 1801-1803 (2015)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: None
Abstract: Comparative study of the molecular dynamics of two xanthenes dye derivatives (Rhodamine-6G and Fluorescein-548) is reported using spectrally resolved three-pulse photon echo spectroscopy. An appreciable change in the coherence and population dynamics was observed between the two xanthenes derivatives due to the presence of different functional groups. Solution of Rhodamine-6G in methanol behaves in a more coherent fashion compared to that of Fluorescein-548 dye.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: Mukamel, S., Principles of Nonlinear Optical Spectroscopy, Oxford University Press, New York, 1995.
Agarwal, R., Prall, B.S., Rizvi, A.H., Yang, M. and Fleming, G.R., J.Chem.Phys, 2002, 116, 6243.
Literature cited 2: de Boeij, W.P., Pshenichnikov, M.S.and Wiersma, D.A., Chem.Phys, 1998, 233, 287.
Hybl, J.D., Ferro, A.A.and Jonas, D.M., J.Chem.Phys. 2001, 115, 6606.
ID: 61201
Title: Feral dogs of Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh: an emerging threat for wildlife and human life.
Author: Anil Kumar, Rahul Paliwal
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2015
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 108 (10) 1799-1800 (2015)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Feral dogs, Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh, emerging threat, Wildlife, human life.
Abstract: It is believed that dogs were domesticated by man about 15,000 years ago to facilitate hunting, guarding and protection. During recent years, their services have extended to search operations, anti-terror tasks, detection of explosives and drugs, in forensics and to help in rescue operations. Today, according to an estimate, more than 700 million dogs inhabit sympatrically with human beings, worldwide. According to organizations working on the management and welfare of dogs, about 25 % of the dog population is owned/semi-owned, and the remaining 75 % is free-roaming, stray and feral. The frequent reproduction of dogs led to overabundant population that resulted into dog-human conflicts, such as dog bites, road traffic accidents, and inconvenience due to their escalated fights, blind chasing of one another on roads, barking and soiling. Overpopulation of dogs and its impact on wildlife (and humans too) have raised serious conservation concerns in many parts of the world.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: Savolainen, P.Zhang, Y.Luo, J.Lundeberg, J.and Leitner, T., Science, 2002, 298, 1610-1613.
Hughes, J.and Macdonald, D.W., Biol.Conserv, 2013, 157, 341-351.
Literature cited 2: Farnworth, M.J., Blaszak, K.A., Hiby, E.F. and Waran, N.K., Anim.Welfare, 2012, 21, 477-478.
Massei, G.and Miller, L.A., Theriogenology, 2013, 80, 829-838.
ID: 61200
Title: Platinum-group elements mineralization in the cumulate gabbro of Phenai Mata Complex, Deccan Large Igneous Province, India.
Author: Kirtikumar Randive, J.Vijaya Kumar, Mahesh Korakoppa.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2015
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 108 (10) 1796-1798 (2015)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Platinum-group elements, mineralization, cumulate gabbro, Phenai Mata Complex, Deccan Large Igneous Province, India
Abstract: Platinum-group elements (PGE) are strongly siderophile elements, which provide valuable information on the petrogenesis of mantle-derived igneous rocks. The PGE abundances in the continental flood basalts (CFBs) are much lower compared to lithophile elements, usually at parts per billion (ppb) or even parts per trillion (ppt) levels. Nevertheless, they are potential markers of the magmatic process and source nature of the basalts, especially the Deccan Traps, has been fruitful and has brought forth wealth of information on the PGE concentration of Western and Eastern Deccan basalts (lava flows and dykes).
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: Li, Y. et al., Chem.Geol. , 2012, 328, 278-289; doi: 10.1016/j.chemgeo.2012.03.007.
Rehkamper, M.,Halliday, A.N., Fitton, J.G., Lee D.-C, Wieneke, M.and AArndt, N.T., Geochim.Cosmochim.Acta, 1999, 63 (22), 3915-3934.
Literature cited 2: Momme, p., Oskarsson, N.and Keays, R.R., Chem., Geol., 2003, 196 (1-4), 209-234.
Momme, P., Tegner, C., Brooks, C.K. and Keays, R.R., Contrib.Mineral.Petrol, 2006, 151 (1), 88-100.
ID: 61199
Title: A mechanism of self-pollination in Ajuga bracteosa Wallich ex Benth.
Author: Aijaz Hassan Ganie, Bilal Ahmad Tali, Irshad A.Nawchoo, Zafar A.Reshi.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2015
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 108 (10) 1793-1795 (2015)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Mechanism, self-pollination, Ajuga bracteosa Wallich ex Benth
Abstract: The movement of floral parts, including the pistil (style), stamen (filament, anther) and corolla has been observed in many angiosperms to affect successful pollination and mating. Various hypotheses have been proposed to explain the adaptive significance of floral movements. It has been reported that styles exhibit curvature movements either to promote outcrossing, or to affect selfing, or to achieve delayed selfing. In most of the cases the stigma, as the uppermost portion of pistil, is the seat of pollen reception. Here, we describe a mechanism of self-pollination in Ajuga bracteosa Wallich ex Benth, (Lamiaceae), in which the bisexual flower bends its stigmas in such a way so as to come in contact with dehisced anthers without the aid of any external agency to ensure self-pollination.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: Yang, S.X., Yang, C.F., Zhang, T. and Wang, Q.F., Acta Bot.Sin. 2004, 46, 1071-1074.
Bai, W.N. and Zhang, D.Y., J.Plant.Ecol, 2005, 29, 672-679.
Literature cited 2: Edwards, J., Whitaker, D., Klionsky, S.and Laskowski, M.J., Nature, 2005, 435, 164.
Sun, S., Gao, J.Y., Liao, W.J., Li, Q.J. and Zhang, D.Y., Ann.Bot. 2007, 99, 660-661.
ID: 61198
Title: Ecosystem monitoring and forest census studies in South Asia.
Author: Toby Richard Marthews, Swapna Nelaballi, Jayashree Ratnam, Mahesh Sankaran.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2015
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 108 (10) 1779-1782 (2015)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Ecosystem monitoring, forest census studies, South Asia
Abstract: Intact tropical forests cover 13.9 million sq.km worldwide, or 24 % of tropical land area. They are the most productive terrestrial ecosystems on Earth with high priorities for biodiversity conservation. These forests store a substantial amount of carbon in biomass and soil, and they also regulate the transfer of carbon into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide (CO2.Knowledge of the sign and magnitude of the stocks and flows of carbon and biomass within global forests is of importance in the context of climate change. Intact tropical forests in Amazonia and Africa have been increasing in biomass and thereby absorbing ~12 % of current anthropogenic CO2 emissions, but the continuity of this biomass carbon sink remains uncertain.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: Malhi, Y., J.Ecol, 2012, 100, 65-75.
Malhi, Y., and Marthews, T.R., In Law, Tropical Forests and Carbon: The Case of REDD+ (eds Lyster, R., MacKenzie, C. and McDermott, C.), CUP, Cambridge, UK, 2013, pp. 26-43.
Literature cited 2: Davidar, P., Rajagopal, B., Arjunan, M.and Puyravaud, J.P., Biotropica, 2008, 40, 700-706.
Pascal, J.P., Wet evergreen forests of the Western Ghats of India.Institut Francais de Pondichery, Puducherry, 1988.
ID: 61197
Title: Development dilemma for the North East Region of India.
Author: Prasanna K.Samal, P.P.Dhyani, R.C.Sundriyal and K.S.Kanwal.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2015
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 108 (10) 1778-1779 (2015)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Development, dilemma, North-East Region, India
Abstract: India ' s North East Region (NER) ' a rainbow country, extraordinarily diverse and colourful ' includes the seven sisters-Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura, along with a small and beautiful cousin in the Himalayan fringes, namely Sikkim covering an area of 262, 189 sq.km and constituting about 7.98 % of the country ' s total geographical area. The region has a long international boundary, about 96 %, with China and Bhutan in the north, Myanmar in the east, Nepal in the west, and Bangladesh in the south and west. The region represents nearly 3.8% of the total human population of the country and exhibits a great diversity of ethnic groups.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 61196
Title: Making sense of remote sensing
Author: - Case study
Editor: Prof. Arup Dasgupta
Year: 2015
Publisher: Sanjay Kumar
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Geospatial World Volume 05 Issue 12 46-47 (2015)
Subject: Geospatial World
Keywords: Making sense, remote sensing
Abstract: Andries Botha, Remote Sensing Geologist, Southern Mapping Company shares why the mining industry should not be hesitant about accepting remote sensing technologies.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 61195
Title: Finding Mineral Deposits With GIS
Author: - Case study
Editor: Prof. Arup Dasgupta
Year: 2015
Publisher: Sanjay Kumar
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Geospatial World Volume 05 Issue 12 44-45 (2015)
Subject: Geospatial World
Keywords: Mineral, Deposits, GIS
Abstract: A study in the Archean-Proterozoic Aravalli metallogenic province of India shows how GIS can be effectively used for narrowing down search areas for ground exploration.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 61194
Title: Drones Vs LiDAR What ' s Best For Mining?
Author: - Case study
Editor: Prof. Arup Dasgupta
Year: 2015
Publisher: Sanjay Kumar
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Geospatial World Volume 05 Issue 12 32-34 (2015)
Subject: Geospatial World
Keywords: Drones, LiDAR
Abstract: Off the coast of East Africa, in Madagascar, a large graphite mining project is underway. The project of Energizer Resources, it is named as the Molo Graphite Project, or simply ' the Molo ' .
Part of the thousand square kilometre Green Giant Graphite Project in the south of the country, the Molo deposit is thought to contain between 80 and 120 million tonnes of high-quality, all-flake graphite that is used in refractories, batteries and consumer electronics, making it one of the largest such deposits in the world.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 61193
Title: Compiling and Harbouring Geoscience Data.
Author: Marko Komac, Tim Duffy, Francois Robida.
Editor: Prof. Arup Dasgupta
Year: 2015
Publisher: Sanjay Kumar
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Geospatial World Volume 05 Issue 12 30-31 (2015)
Subject: Geospatial World
Keywords: Compiling, Harbouring, Geoscience Data.
Abstract: An initiative started by Geological Survey Organisations (GSO) around the globe, One Geology has been developing geological map data online and works on a new international standard-a geosciences data exchange language known as GeoScience Markup Language ' GeoSciML ' . Come 2013 and OneGeology transformed itself into a consortium with well defined governance structure. The move made its structure more official, its operability more flexible and its membership more open.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 61192
Title: Spatial resolution essential for mapping minerals.
Author: - Interview
Editor: Prof. Arup Dasgupta
Year: 2015
Publisher: Sanjay Kumar
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Geospatial World Volume 05 Issue 12 28-29 (2015)
Subject: Geospatial World
Keywords: Spatial resolution, mapping, minerals.
Abstract: Kumar Navulur, Director, Ne Generation Products, Digital Globe shares his views on enabling mineral exploration, mine operations and reclamation with super spectral imagery.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 61191
Title: Setting Priorities with Patial Data.
Author: - Interview
Editor: Prof. Arup Dasgupta
Year: 2015
Publisher: Sanjay Kumar
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Geospatial World Volume 05 Issue 12 18-21 (2015)
Subject: Geospatial World
Keywords: Setting Priorities, Patial Data.
Abstract: In an exclusive interview with Martin O ' Malley, the US Presidential candidate, Bhanu Rekha-Executive Editor, Geospatial World, understands his strategy for using geospatial technology, as he sets out plans for the top three priorities of the US.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None