ID: 58941
Title: Gold, silver and platinum group of elements mineralization in Precambrain uraniferous quartz-pebble conglomerates of Mankarhachua area, Angul District, Odisha.
Author: Kalyan Chakrabarti, N R R Ecka, Brundaban Mishra, K Mahendra Kumar, V J Katti, K Umamaheshwar, P S Parihar, Joydip Mukhopadyay, G Ghosh.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol 105(no 7), pp. 978-983 (2013)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Gold, quartz-pebble conglomerate, platinum, silver.
Abstract: The occurence of gold, silver and platinum group of elements is reported from the Precambrian uraniferous quartz-pebble conglomerate (QPC) horizons at Mankarhachua area in the Precambrian Mankarhachua basin situated at the southwestern part of the Singhbhum-Orissa craton. Scanning electron micrographs show native gold grains and unidentified platysilver-bearing minerals. Chemical analysis of the host QPC samples shows significant abundances of gold and silver and anomalous content of platinum group elements. Platinum, ruthenium and rhodium dominate over palladium. This communication focuses on the gold and silver abundances, their distribution, hostrock characteristics and preliminary study on the control of mineralization.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58940
Title: Plant height profiling in western India using LiDAR data.
Author: P Tripathi, M D Behera.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol 105(no 7), pp. 970-977 (2013)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Forest management , LiDAR data, plant height, remote sensing, vegetation classes.
Abstract: Plant height has always been a subject of research in forest and vegetation sciences. Space-borne LiDAR data of Geoscience Laser Altimeter System (GLAS) on the Ice, Cloud and land Elevation Satellite (ICESat) have opened up new possibilities to analyse vegetation height. Here, we have analysed the plant height panorama for various forest vegetation classes of western India and understood their profile in terms of topography, vegetation canopy density and presence of heterogeneous features within the LiDAR footprints. Of the total 14, 230 LiDAR hits for western India falling in 32 forest vegetation classes, we eliminated extreme plant height ranges to retain 9553 (67.13%) data points for further analysis. Maximum number of data points was observed over temperate coniferous forest, pine forest and desert dune scrub with 2119, 936 and 1770 number of LiDAR hits respectively. The maximum and minimum plant height range varied between 70 and 2.2m for temperate coniferous forest and alpine scrub. In general, we noticed inaccuracy in the plant height estimates from GLAS data points for higher slope and elevation. Overestimation in data points could be attributed to the presence of anthropogenic features, viz. buildings, settlement and towers; and underestimation could be attributed to bare ground, agricultural field and water body owing to class heterogeneity and positional inaccuracy. This study provides a profile of plant heights from western India that can be used for structural characterization studies utilized in climate and ecological assessments.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58939
Title: Prediction of Indian summer monsoon rainfall using surface temperature and sea-level pressure cluster parameters.
Author: S B Kakade, A Kulkarni.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol 105(no 7), pp. 964-970 (2013)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Cluster parameters, effective strength index, rainfall prediction, sea-level pressure, surface temperature.
Abstract: The scientific community has been putting in continuous efforts to improve long-range forecast of Indian summer monsoon rainfall (ISMR). In this study we try to search for new predictors which may improve the prediction of ISMR. The shared nearest neighbour technique has been applied to surface temperature (ST) and sea-level pressure (SLP) to obtain the clusters in pre-monsoon months (January through May) and seasons (winter, spring). The powers of time series averaged over the clusters are used as parameters for equation, two seperate are developed based on the positive and negative phase of effective strength index (ESI) tendency. Simple multiple regression equations are developed using these cluster parameters for predicting ISMR during the contrasting phases of ESI tendency. During positive (negative) phase of ESI tendency, the SLP (ST) cluster parameters can predict ISMR. The prediction of ISMR is improved if we use the prediction equation depending upon the phase of ESI tendency.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58938
Title: Light transmission through and its complete stoppage in an ultra slow wave optical medium.
Author: V Ranjith, N Kumar.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol 105(no 7), pp. 962-964 (2013)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Continuity equation, light transmission, slow wave medium, stopped light, ultra slow light.
Abstract: Light wave transmission - its compression, amplification, and the optical energy storage - in an ultra slow wave medium (USWM) is studied analytically. Our phenomenological treatment is based entirely on the continuity equation for the optical energy flux, and the well-known distribution-product property of Dirac delta-function. The results so obtained provide a clear understanding of some recent experiments on light transmission and its complete stoppage in an USWM.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58937
Title: Trend analysis of weather variables in Sagar Island, West Bengal, India: a long-term perspective (1982-2010)
Author: S Mandal, B U Choudhury, M Mondal, S Bej.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol 105(no 7), pp. 947-953 (2013)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Climate change, trend analysis, water balance, weather variables.
Abstract: Sagar Island, a gargantuan low-lying archipelago setting on the continental shelf of the Bay of Bengal is one of the most vulnerable deltas to climate change. Extreme climate-driven multifarious threats, including tidal gushes, deluge with sea water, permanent submergence of land, occurence of droughts and water scarcity have taken a toll on food and environmental security of the island. Knowing the trend of long-term weather variables responsible for the climate of the island holds importance in adaptation and mitigation strategies to sustain food production. In the present article, weather variables of the island (1982-2010) have been analysed to detect the changes in trend using Mann-Kendall non-parametric test and the magnitudes of such trends have been estimated using Sen ' s slope. The island recieves an annual average rainfall of 1735 352 mm, with an inter-annual deviation exceeding 40% and exhibits a decreasing trend (-5.79 mm year-1). Significant (P<0.05) anomalies in inter- as well intra-annual rainfall distributions (pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon months) were observed. Contribution of monsoon and post-monsoon months showed a decreasing trend (-3.84 to -4.42 mm year-1), while pre-monsoon rainfall showed an increasing trend (+0.98 mm year-1). Wide variability in interannual rainy days (76-139 days) and a decreasing trend (-0.24 days year-1) may further complicate the existing anomalies. The island is experiencing a significant (P<0.05) rising trend of inter-annual mean (+0.021? C year-1) and maximum temperatures (+0.060?C year-1), with a reverse trend (decline) in minimum temperature (-0.031?C year-1). Other weather variables like sunshine duration, wind speed, atmospheric evaporative demand, etc, also manifested a complex interaction and significant (P<0.05) decreasing trend over the study periods (1982-2010). Implications of these changes were manifested on water balance front: rising trend of water scarcity during post-monsoon months (December-February) in the island.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58936
Title: Surface-enhanced Raman scattering : overview of a versatile technique used in electrochemistry and nanoscience.
Author: Ujjal Kumar Sur, Joydeep Chowdhury.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol 105(no 7), pp. 923-939 (2013)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Electrochemistry, nanoscience, pyridine molecule, surface-enhanced Raman scattering.
Abstract: This article describes recent developments in the field of surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) research. It begins with the early history of SERS as the first SERS spectrum was obtained from an electrochemical system of pyridine molecule adsorbed on roughened silver electrode, which led to the discovery of the SERS effect in the mid-1970s. The article also illustrates the various aspects of SERS research which includes SERS-active substrates, mechanism of SERS and its various applications. Special emphasis is given to the important features of electrochemical SERS, a special branch of SERS.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58935
Title: Carbon Capture and storage: an effective way to mitigate global warming.
Author: Udayan Singh.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol 105(no 7), pp. 914-922 (2013)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Carbon capture and storage, climate change, global warming, greenhouse gases.
Abstract: Ever since industrialization occured, there has been an increase in the burning of fossil fuels to meet the high energy demands. The use of such fuels causes emission of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases which lead to global warming. Such a warming may have a highly injurious impact of life on Earth. One way to alleviate this is to reduce the use of such fuels. An alternative method is to capture and store the emitted CO2 to stop it from polluting the atmosphere. This is known as carbon capture and storage. This study discusses the methods and economics associated with the same.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58934
Title: Diversity of the science ecosystem.
Author: Sunil Mukhi.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol 105(no 7), pp. 895-896 (2013)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Diversity, science ecosystem.
Abstract: The book Frontiers of Illusion by Daniel Sarewitz, an earth-scientist-turned-science-policy-advisor in the US Congress, opens with these lines: ' The age of Physics came to and end on 21 October 1993 when the US Congress cancelled funding for the Superconducting Super Collider ' .. This is a remarkably grandiose claim. Could a subject with such deep roots be brought to an end by a parliamentary decision? The book was written in 1996 and today it is clear that the US Congress decision had a rather different impact: it shifted the focus of high energy physics outside the US. As a result, the Higgs particle was discovered at a laboratory based in Europe rather than America.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58933
Title: The Gangetic Dolphins plead for mercy.
Author: Arti Garg, R Kr, Singh, S L Gupta, Vineet Singh, Y A Siddiqui.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol 105(no 7), pp. 887-888 (2013)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Gangetic river dolphins, freshwater cetacean species, India.
Abstract: The Ganges river dolphins (Platinista gangetica Roxb, subsp. gangetica) are endangered, obligate freshwater cetacean species, endemic to Ganges-Brahmaputra-Megna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems in India, Nepal and Bangladesh. There were about 4000-5000 individuals in 1982, but in a short span of 15 years, their number has declined abysmally by 50% and further to less than 2000 with annual mortality of 130-160 individuals. This resulted in the declaration of their IUCN status from vulnerable to endangered.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58932
Title: Streamflow data-sharing policy for the Ganga Basin.
Author: Sharad Kumar Jain.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol 105(no 7), pp. 885-885 (2013)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Streamflow, data-sharing policy, Ganga Basin. Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh.
Abstract: Hilly regions of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh witnessed a spell of widespread torrential rainfall from 15 to 17 june 2013. India Meteorological Department (IMD) had predicted on 14 June that rainfall in Uttarakhand will exceed 100 mm/day in many mountainous areas during 16 and 17 June. This prediction was not followed up and the floods caused a huge loss of life and property. Apparently, no satisfactory early flood warning system was in place for the affected areas and no studies have been completed to set up a flood forecasting model on the catchments in the Upper Ganga Basin.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58931
Title: Peak water and demand side management.
Author: Prabir Kumar Naik.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol 105(no 7), pp. 884-885 (2013)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Peak water, fresh water, demand side management.
Abstract: Freshwater resources are fundamental for maintaining human health, agricultural production, economic activity and critical ecosystem functions. As populations and economies grow, new constraints on water resources are appearing, raising questions about limits to water availability.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58930
Title: Urban and Regional Planning in India - A Handbook for Professional Practice.
Author: Krishna Prapoorna Biligiri.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol 105(no 5), pp. 709-709 (2013)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Urban and Regional Planning, India, Professional planning.
Abstract: Urban and Regional Planning is a fascinating subject. It has always intrigued many planners, engineers, scientists, managers, practitioners, etc. as to how humans have used their intellect and wisdom to plan and manage the various cities and regions around the world. The subject of urban and regional planning in India is not new, as there are sufficient reference as regards the older, well planned cities that flourished as successful civilizations. For instance, the Indus (or Harappa) Valley Civilization that dates back to the Vedic era encompassed an area of more than one million square kilometers, and was planned and designed based on the Vedic scripts. Thus, India has been a leader and a role model for the other global civilizations in the urban and regional planning arena during the past.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58929
Title: Diversity, representativeness and biotic pressure on plant species along alpine timberline of western Arunachal Pradesh in the Eastern Himalaya, India.q
Author: Pijush Kumar Dutta, B K Dutta, R C Sundriyal, Ashes Kumar Das.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol 105(no 5), pp. 701-708 (2013)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Biodiversity hotspot, ecotone, endemic, grazing.
Abstract: The timberline being an ecotone area is considered to be among the most prominent vegetation zones in high mountain areas. However, the timberline in the Eastern Himalaya timberline compared to Western Himalaya provide a more conducive environment for tree growth and as a result the upper limit of timberline in this sector goes up to 4570 m, which is much higher in comparison to timberline limit of 3600 m in the Western Himalayan region. We recorded a total of 122 plant species from timberline zone belonging to 29 families with 56 species being common to areas above and below the timberline zone. It is interesting to note that 77% of the total recorded plants was found distributed within the Himalayan region, while 28% was confined to Eastern Himalayan region only. Eleven species required significant conservation measures. Collection of firewood by headers and unregulated grazing by local communities were found to be the most common threats in the study sites. Considering most of these areas are under traditional control of local communities, pro-community approach for conservation of biodiversity of these areas has also been discussed.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58928
Title: Time-lapse tracing of biological events in an endophytic schizophoran fly, Atherigona soccata Rondani (Diptera: Muscidae)
Author: A Kalaisekar, J V Patil, G Shyam Prasad, V R Bhagwat, P G Padmaja, B Subbarayudu, K Srinivasa Babu, Zeenat Rahman.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol 105(no 5), pp. 695-701 (2013)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Atherigona soccata, endophytic pest, sorghum, time-lapse imaging.
Abstract: Atherigona soccata Rondani known as shoot fly is an endophytic pest of cultivated sorghum in the Old World. In our study, we demonstrate all critical biological events of the fly on a real-time basis using time-lapse imaging, including the endophytic larval and puparial stages. The mosts critical biological events in A. soccata are egg-hatching, first instar larva, pupariation, eclosion and post-eclosion phases. All these stages are critical because of their time-boundedness from initiation to completion. Any kind of lapse of life and eventually proved fatal. After hatching from egg, first instar larva took a mean time of 34 min to enter the plant through the gap between leaf sheath and growing central shoot. From this moment of larval entry into the plant until total extrication of adult fly during eclosion, A. soccata passed its life endophytically. After larval entry, it took a mean time of 33.7 h for the plant to show first visible symptoms of withering of central growing leaf whorl. From larval hatching to first take-off of adult fly required an average of 309.6h (12.9 days). The critical periods in the life cycle of A.soccata are less resilient to changes and therefore more vulnerable to external influences. Such phases in the life history can be targeted for managing A.soccata in sorghum.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58927
Title: Tropical grasslands supporting the endangered hispid hare (Caprolagus hispidus) population in the Bardia National Park, Nepal.
Author: Promod Tandan, Bhuwan Dhakal, Kabita Karki, Achyut Aryal.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol 105(no 5), pp. 691-694 (2013)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Conservation, hispid hare, pellet density, tropical grasslands.
Abstract: The presence of the endangered hispid hare (Caprolagus hispidus) has been confirmed in the seven grasslands (approx. 900 ha) of the Babai valley, Bardia National Park (BNP), Nepal. We conducted a presence-absence survey, studied the diet of hispid hare and evaluated vegetation composition in hispid hare habitat of the park. The pellet density was 4.07/ha before the burning season and 8.71/ha after it. The diet of the hispid hare consisted of 23 plants species, of which Saccharum spp., Imperata cylindrica, Desmostachya bipinnata and Cynodon dactylon were most preferred. These plant species were also more abundant in the hispid hare habitat. Our results showed that composition of plant species in the diet was available proportional to the hispid hare habitat. We recommend that the management authorities should prepare a species-focused management plan to conserve and monitor the hispid hare population and other small mammals of the region.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None