ID: 58947
Title: Siddhwari sacred grove in Upper Ganga Ramsar site of Uttar Pradesh.
Author: Arti Garg, Vineet 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 8), pp. 1039-1040 (2013)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Siddwari, sacred groove, Upper Ganga Ramsar, Uttar Pradesh.
Abstract: According to the contemporary definition a sacred grove is ' a physically diverse patch of natural, primary forested enclosure of sacred trees and connected life-forms, revered by the endogamous clan for their supernatural association with religious or ominous attribute, or some alarming mythological anecdote, ascribed to a diety, devil or a demon, who is strongly bond with the woods conserved informally over generations to uphold these beliefs. Existence of sacred groves is of immense advantage in conservation of natural plant wealth through defence of the forest patch from anthropogenic pressures, with access restrictions based on traditional beliefs of the local clan that worships these plants/trees. Hence these segments of the forests become auto-conserved, virgin forests endowed with climax vegetation and rich biodiversity, besides serving as a repository of many medicinal, palaeoendemic and threatened taxa.
Location: TE 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58946
Title: Conflicts, motivation and conservation.
Author: Chandra Prakash Kuniyal.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol 105(no 8), pp. 1038-1039 (2013)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Conflicts, motivation, conservation, Uttarakhand.
Abstract: Traditional agro-pastoral activities in rural Uttarakhand (Western Himalaya), a hill state in India predominantly depend on the surrounding forests for fodder, fuel wood, dry leaves for animals bed. Approximately 64.80% geographical area of Uttarakhand is under forest cover, out of which 71.11%is reserve forest, 28.52% is protected forest and 0.35% is categorized as unclassified forest. The unclassified forest also termed as civil forest area is open for biotic activities like grazing, lopping of trees for fodder and collection of fuel. But these areas are subjected to overexploitation by the villagers and result in conflicts related to utilization of their resources. The Van Panchayats in Uttarakhand have actively involved the local people in conserving the unclassified forest areas and resolving conflicts for several years.
Location: TE 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58945
Title: Climate change and high-altitude wetlands of Arunachal Pradesh.
Author: K S Kanwal, P K Samal, M S Lodhi, J C Kuniyal.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol 105(no 8), pp. 1037-1038 (2013)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Climate change, high altitude wetlands, Arunachal Pradesh.
Abstract: The high-altitude wetlands (HAWs) are an important category of natural wetlands found mainly in the higher reaches of Himalayas. HAW is a generic term to describe areas of swamp, marsh, meadow, fen, peat-land or water bodies located at an altitude higher than 3000 m amsl, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or saline. In general, HAWs are areas located at altitudes between the continuous natural forest border and the permanent snowline.
Location: TE 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58944
Title: Genetic diversity of taro (Colocasia esculenta L.) in Mon district, Nagaland, needs attention for its conservation.
Author: A Thirugnanavel, Bidyut C Deka, Lily Ranganamei, Martha Chakruno.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol 105(no 8), pp. 1036-1037 (2013)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Genetic diversity, taro (Colocasia esculent L.), Nagaland.
Abstract: Mon district in Nagaland the ' Land of Anghs ' is recognized by the Planning Commision of India as one of the most backward districts of the Indian subcontinent. It lies between 26?34 ' - 26?45 ' N lat. and 94?45 ' -95?15 ' E long. It is inhabited by the Konyak tribe occupying a geographical area of about 1786 sq. km and having a population of 250, 671 (ref. 1). More than 90% of the population depends on agriculture for its livelihood and jhum (shifting) cultivation is the principal agricultural practice. The district situated in the Indo-Burma region, is the centre of origin of many plant species, of which, taro (Colocasia esculenta L.) is one of the important aroids that ranks as the 14th staple vegetable in the world. It is one of the important aroids that ranks as the 14th staple vegetable in the world. It is one of the important staple foods of the Konyaks, next to rice. The leaves, petioles, corms and cormels are edile, which are rich in carbohydrates, starch, dry matter, minerals and vitamins.
Location: TE 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58943
Title: Coastal erosion triggered by a shipwreck along the coast of Goa, India.
Author: R Mani Murali, M T Babu, Antonio Mascarenhas, Richa Choudary, K Sudheesh and P Vethamony.
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. 990-996 (2013)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Coastal erosion, cyclone, remote sensing images, shipwreck.
Abstract: Temporal satellite imageries (1999, 2001,2003,2006,2008 and 2011), wave model (DHI) results and field measurements have been used to evaluate whether the ground ship MV River Princess played a role in triggering erosion along the famous Candolim-Sinquerim beaches of Goa. Coastal sand dunes bore the maximum impact. The cause of the erosion is unique. The orientation of the ship with respect to the coastline, its length, the distance of the ship from the coastline and, more importantly, the direction of the waves prevailing over the region suggest that the wreck acted like an offshore breakwater and triggered erosion along this coast. A tombolo was also formed on the lee side of the vessel, a process that eventually led to the formation of an accretion zone on the lee side. The zone of deposition is evidenced by the presence of a sand bar which gets partially exposed during low tide. As the littoral current along this coast is southward, the sand bar blocked the southward littoral drift. As a consequence, the sand depletion that followed subsequently induced erosion of the sea front. The extent of net erosion has been estimated at around 0.10934 sq. km (109,340 sq. m) during the past 12 years. A strech of 1.5 km of the coast has receded by a maximum of 85m. In economic terms, the loss of prime property is estimated at minimum 28 crore rupees. The direct impact of the wreck in eroding the coast id more explicit during the SW monsoon. The powerful intensity of winds and higher significant wave height (H8=2.59 m) during the SW monsoon deteriorate the shore front that is now devoid of sand dunes and, as a consequence, has gradually become fragile due to severe erosion.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58942
Title: Microbial gas-sensing property of Escherichia coli with mixed metal catalyst MgFe2O4.
Author: Sachin Bangale, Vinay Chaugule, Reshma Prakshale, Sambaji Bamane.
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. 984-989 (2013)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Biofilm, Escherichia coli, gas sensors, mixed metal catalyst.
Abstract: A thick biofilm of Escherichia coli was applied to a mixed metal catalyst, MgFe2O4 synthesized using solution combustion technique. The isolated pure culture of E.coli was mixed with the prepared mixed metal catalyst. Both preparation processes were convenient, environmental friendly and efficient. The MgFe2O4 materials were characterized by TG/DTA and XRD. The prepared thick biofilm of E. coli with MgFe2O4 was measured by exposing to different reducing gases. It was found that E.coli acted as a sensor and showed various responses to different gases at various operating temperatures with metal catalyst. The prepared biofilm sensor exhibited fast response and good recovery at low concentration.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
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