ID: 59257
Title: Impact of Prosopis juliflora on nesting success of breeding wetland birds at Vettangudi Bird Sanctuary, South India.
Author: S Chandrasekaran, K Saraswathy, S Sarvanan, N Kamaladhasan, N Arun Nagendran.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 106(no. 5) 676-678, 2014
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Prosopis juliflora, breeding wetland birds, Vettangudi Bird Sanctuary, South India.
Abstract: Influence of exotic plant invasions on the structure and functional attributes of native ecosystems has been extensively documented and debated. The complex interactions of invasive species with native ecosystems make invasion ecology and an interesting and important area of research. Prosopis juligflora (family Mimosoideae) native to South and Central America was introduced in India to meet the fuel-wood requirements of the rural poor and to restore degraded lands.
Location: TE 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Elton, C S, The Ecology of Invasions by Animals and Plants, Methuen, London. 1958
Chandrasekaran, S. and Swamy, P S Agric. Ecosystem. Environment 2002, 88, 61-71.
Wardle, D A., Bardgett, R D., Callaway, R M. and Van der Putten, W H,. Science., 2011, 332, 1273-1277.
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 59256
Title: Lichen colonization on nylon net houses in Surya-kunj Nature Interpretation site, Kosi-Katarmal, Almora, Uttarakhand.
Author: Yogesh Joshi, Geetanjali Bhakuni, Deepa Bisht, Manish Tripathi, Kapil Bisht, Shashi Upadhyay, Krishna Chandra, Ranbeer S Rawal.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 106(no. 5) 673-675, 2014
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Lichen colonization, nylon net houses, Surya-kunj, Nature Interpretation site, Kosi-Katarmal, Almora, Uttarakhand.
Abstract: The Surya-Kunj Nature Interpretation and Learning Centre (NILC) of G B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development (GBPIHED), Kosi-Katarmal, Almora Uttarakhand, represents and ex situ conservation site for representative Himalayan flora. The site is spread over an area of about 27 ha, and ranges between 1100 and 1250 m elevation. Over the last 25 years or so, Surya-Kunj has come up as an excellent site showcasing the potential of ex situ mechanisms for: (i) conservation of floristic diversity, (ii) restoration of degraded hill slopes and (iii) availability of new habitats that have helped in natural establishment of various floral and faunal groups.
Location: TE 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Lucking, R, Lichenologist, 1998, 30, 287-301.
Lucking, R. and Lucking, A. B, Ecotropica, 2002, 8, 1-13.
Upreti D K, and Dixit, A.. Br, Lichen Soc. Bull., 2002, 8, 1-13.
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 59255
Title: What makes Gujarat a hotspot for solar energy investments?
Author: Komalirani Yenneti.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 106(no. 5) 665-667, 2014
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Guiarat, solar energy, hotspot.
Abstract: With over 300 days of sunshine and solar radiation of 5.6-6.0 k Wh/m2/day (refs 1.2), the state of Gujarat has a potential of generating 750 GW from solar energy. To capture this huge potential, in January 2009, the Government of Gujarat (GoG), introduced the ' solar power policy (SPP) 2009 ' as a commitment to climate change initiatives, to address energy security, to support India ' s Naitonal Solar Mission (NSM) and to provide favourable environment for implementation of solar energy.
Location: TE 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 59254
Title: Need for strengthening mountain specific research.
Author: G C S Negi, R S Rawal, S Sharma, Kireet Kumar, P P Dhyani.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 106 (no.5), 659-661, 2014
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Mountain specific research, global mountains, Himalaya.
Abstract: Among global mountains, Himalaya holds a special position. It is massive, vast, complex and highly variable in space time, and therefore, difficult to understand and characterize even with the best scientific efforts. The situation gets worse when the capacity to undertake research is limited. Remoteness, difficult terrain, lack of resources and poor infrastructure, are some inherent difficulties that hamper the extent and quality of research in the region. More importantly, continous decline in the number of motivated and sincere field researchers is causing a grave situation.
Location: TE 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 59253
Title: Drainage and dewetting of the tear film.
Author: K V Soumya.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 106 (no.5), 655-655, 2014
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Drainage, dwetting, tear film.
Abstract: Dry eye disease is caused by either decreased tear production or increased tear film evaporation. The tear film that protects the ocular surface is a complex and thin film. It is comprised of a collection of proteins and lipids that leads to a number of important functions. The meibomian glands located on the margins of eyelids produce oily lipid secretions that after being mixed with the aqueous tears, contribute to the tear film.
Location: TE 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 59252
Title: Carbon stocks in major soil types and land-use systems in semiarid tropical region in southern India.
Author: K Venkanna, Uttam Kumar Mandal, A J Solomon Raju, K L Sharma, Ravikant V Adake, Pushpanjali, B Sanjeeva Reddy, Rahul N Masane, K Venkatravamma, B Peda Babu.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 106 (no.4), 604-611, 2014
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Carbon sequestration, forest soils, land-use systems, organic carbon, soil types, total carbon stocks.
Abstract: The present study was conducted to study the soil organic and inorganic carbon stocks under different land-use systems in Warangal district, Andhra Pradesh, representing semiarid tropical region of India. Results indicated that Vertisols and associated soils contained greater total C stocks, followed by Inceptisols and Alfisols. The soil organic carbon (SOC) stock was highest in Alfisols (52.84 Mg ha-1) abd Vertisols and associated soils (49.33 Mg ha-1), whereas soil inorganic carbon (SIC) stock was highest in Vertisols and associated soil (22.9 Mg ha-1) followed by Inceptisols (17.5 Mg ha-1) and Alfisols (12.4 Mg ha-1). Among the different land-use systems, total C stock was highest in forest soils followed by fodder system, paddy, maize, cotton, redgram, intercorp, chilli, permanent fallow and lowest in castor system. Soil nitrogen also followed similar trend as SOC stock. Significant corelation (P<0.05) was obtained between SOC stock and soil nitrogen with Mandal-wise annual rainfall. A surface map of soil C stock and soil N was prepared for Warangal district using kriging interpolation techniques and total C stock was estimated to 0.088 Pg out of which SOC stock was 77% and SIC stock was 23% for the district. A relationship was established between Walkey-Black Carbon and SOC estimated through dry combustion method using CN analyser and it was found that Walkey-Black carbon could recover 90% of SOC for semiarid tropical soils.
Location: TE 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 59251
Title: Kedarnath flash floods: a Hydrological and hydrautic simulation study.
Author: K H V Durga Rao, V Venkateshwar Rao, V K Dadhwal, P G Diwakar.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 106 (no.4), 598-603, 2014
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Flash floods, flood inundation simulation, hydrological modelling, lake breach.
Abstract: The recent floods in the Kedarnath area, Uttarakhand are a classic example of flash floods in the Mandakini River that devastated the country by killing thousands of people besides livestock. Though the duration of the event was small compared to other flood disasters in the country, it resulted in severe damage to property and life. Post-disaster satellite images depict that the river banks were eroded completely along the Kedarnath valley due to the flash floods and few new channels were visible. Extreme erosion took place in the upstream portion of Kedarnath, besides the breach of Chorabari Lake and deposition of debris/sediments in the valley. Hydrological and hydrautic simulation study was carried out in the Mandakini River using space-based inputs to quantify the causes of the flash floods an their impact. Chorabari Lake breach analysis was carried out using Froehlich theory. Flood inundation simulations were done using CARTO DEM of 10m posting in which the combined effect of lake breach and high-intensity rainfall flood was examined. As the slopes are very steep in the upstream catchment area, lag-time of the peak flood was found to be less and washed-off the Kedarnath valley without any alert. The study reveals quantitative parameters of the disaster which was due to an integrated effect of high rainfall intensity, sudden breach of Chorabari Lake and very steep topography.
Location: TE 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 59250
Title: Surface processes during flash floods in the glaciated terrain of Kedarnath, Garhwal Himalaya and their role in the modification of landforms.
Author: Dhruv Sen Singh.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 106 (no.4), 594-597, 2014
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Chorabari Glacier, flash floods, incessant rain, landform modification, surface processes.
Abstract: Glaciers are considered as one ot the best indicators of climate change and glacial landforms are analysed for the reconstruction of palaeoclimate. It has been notified that the landforms keep on changing with time and space. However, no attention has been paid to this problem. The catastrophic event such as Kedarnath event of June 2013 is identified as one impotant process which modifies the landforms and landscape. The flash floods which initiated the new channels, activated the abandoned channels and raised the water of Mandakini River and caused bank erosion and deepening of the valley are the main process for devastation. The human encroachment in the natural events multiplied the damage.
Location: TE 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 59249
Title: On the possibility of retrieving near-surface rain rate from the microwave sounder SAPHIR of th Megha-Tropiques mission.
Author: C Balaji, C Krishnamoorthy, R Chandrasekar.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 106 (no.4), 587-593, 2014
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Brightness temperatures, Megha-Tropiques, Neelam, Phailin, SAPHIR.
Abstract: In this study, ab initio atmospheric profiles generated through high-resolution calculations from the community weather model WRF, suitably matched up with both TRMM Microwave Imager (TMI) and Precipitation Radar (PR) instruments of the TRMM satellite were used to compute simulated brightness temperatures (BTs) corresponding to SAPHIR frequencies, through an in-house polarized radiative transfer code. An artificial neural network was then constructed and trained to return the near-surface rain (NSR) rate given the six BTs corresponding to SAPHIR, For accomplishing the retrievals, measured BTs of SAPHIR (level 1 data) were used. NSR rates were calculated for two precipitating systems, namely (i) cyclone Neelam and (ii) cyclone Phailin. Rain rates thus estimated were then validated with the TMI-PR combined rain product of TRMM (2A12). The results showed that there is good agreement between the two MADRAS and SAPHIR was also done. This unexpected ability of the SAPHIR radiances provide us with the rainfall signature opens up new vistas in achieving the mission objectives of Megha-Tropiques.
Location: TE 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 59248
Title: Environmental flow for the Yamuna river in Delhi as an example of monsoon rivers in India.
Author: Vikram Soni, Shashank Shekhar, Diwan Singh.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 106 (no.4), 558-564, 2014
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Algal choking, environmental flow, flushing flow, monsoon rivers, sediment transport, soil particles.
Abstract: With an eye on all the natural functions of a river. the present article considers the flow of the river Yamuna in Delhi as an example of monsoon rivers in India. About 80% of the total virgin flow of Indian rivers is during the monsoon period and the remaining 20% is during the non-monsoon period. In case of the river Yamuna in Delhi, we find that at least 50% of the virgin monsoon (July to September) flow is required for transport of the full spectrum of soil particles in the river sediment. A similar flow is needed for adequate recharge of the floodplain aquifers along the river. For the non-monsoon period (October to June), at least 60% of the virgin flow is necessary to avoid growth of still-water algae and to support river biodiversity. We conclude that about 50-60% of the virgin flow is necessary throughout the year to maintain the health of the river system.
Location: TE 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 59247
Title: Assessment of agricultural sustainability in changing scenarios.
Author: Prashant Goswami, Shiv Narayan Nishad.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 106 (no.4), 552-557, 2014
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Agricultural sustainability, carrying capacity, degree of dependency, import requirement, trade balance.
Abstract: Agricultural sustainability is an important parameter for policy design. The primary variables for agricultural sustainability, like available arable land and water, depend on competing demands from other sectors as well as natural factors like climate change. The other critical factor that determines sustainability is demand which changes with population and dietary habits. The supply also depends on external sources (import); thus a comprehensive and quantitative assessment of sustainability is a major scientific challenge. Here we present an assessment of agricultural sustainability for India. Import requirement, potential surplus and sustainability index are used to estimate India ' s food sustainability.
Location: TE 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 59246
Title: Artificial photosynthesis and the splitting of water to generate hydrogen.
Author: Urmimala Maitra, S R Lingampalli, C N R Rao.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 106 (no.4), 518-527, 2014
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Hydrogen, photosynthesis, solar energy, water splitting.
Abstract: It is no exaggeration to state that the energy crisis is the most serious challenge that we face today. Among the strategies to gain access to reliable, renewable energy, the use of solar energy has clearly emerged as the most viable option. A promising direction in this context is artificial photosynthesis. In this article, we briefly describe the essential features of artificial photosynthesis in comparison with natural photosynthesis and point out the modest success that we have had in splitting water to produce oxygen and hydrogen, specially the latter.
Location: TE 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 59245
Title: Oil Pollution in Chilika Lagoon: an anthropogenic threat to biodiversity.
Author: S K BaliarSingh, Subhashree Sahoo, Asutosh Acharya, H B Dalabehera, K C Sahu, Aneesh A Lotliker.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 106 (no.4), 516-517, 2014
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Chilka lagoon, Oil pollution, anthropogenic threat, biodiversity.
Abstract: Chilka lagoon is situated on the east coast of India and is spread over three districts of Odisha, namely Puri, Khordha and Ganjam. The water-spread area varies between 1165 and 906 sq. km during monsoon and summer respectively. It is a hotspot for biodiversity, and the largest wintering ground for migratory avian guests on the Indian sub-continent. It also boasts of some rare species such as Irrawaddy dolphins and Smooth-coated otters. The Nalabana Island in the central sector of the lagoon is a Bird Sanctuary and hosts migratory birds every winter.
Location: TE 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 59244
Title: Climate change is affecting apple cultivation in Himachal Pradesh.
Author: H R Gautam, I M Sharma, Rohitashw Kumar.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 106 (no.4), 498-499, 2014
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Climate change, apple cultivation, Himachal Pradesh.
Abstract: Mountains are early and important indicators of climate change which depict far-reaching consequences on our ecosystem, agriculture and livelihood of the farmers. The Himalayan mountain ecosystem is also facing serious challenges posed by climate change due to increasing aridity, warmer winter season, and variability in recieving precipitation and snow. Apple is one of the most important commercial crops of the Himalayan region and Himachal Pradesh (HP) with 1.05 lakh ha area under apple cultivation, which fetches livelihood for more than two lakh farmers.
Location: TE 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 59243
Title: Ethno-medico-botany is an adaptational strategy.
Author: Chandra P Kuniyal, Hemalatha.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 106 (no.4), 497-498, 2014
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Ethno-medico-botany, adaptational strategy.
Abstract: Mountains are regarded as sacred, hotspots of biodiversity and unique for cultural diversity and unique for cultural diversity. However, mountains are also bestowed with adversities and harsh living conditions. People living in mountain need to cope with undulating terrain, massive upward and downward movement due to lack of transportation system and fluctuating diurnal temperatures. Therefore, physical injuries during movement and other problems due to cold environment are common. Bone fracture, cold and cough, cuts and wounds, fever, headache, indigestion, mouth and tongue sores, muscular pain, rheumatic pain, stomach ache, strains and toothache are common health problems in people in mountain areas. As an instant aid, locally available plants are used for treating incidental and common ailments. Bark of Boehmeria rugulosa, Buxus wallichiana and Carpinus viminea is used as a substitute for plaster; paste made from seeds of Abrus precatorious and Vigna mungo and paste from plants of Coelogyne cristata are used for treating bone fracture.
Location: TE 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None