ID: 58912
Title: The elephant in the room: multi-authorship and the assessment of individual researchers.
Author: George A Lozano.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol 105(no 4), pp. 443-445 (2013)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Elephant, multi-authorship, assessment, individual researchers.
Abstract: When a group of individuals creates something, credit is usually divided among them. Oddly, that does not apply to scientific papers. The most commonly used performance measure for individual researchers is the h-index, which does not correct for multiple authors. Each author claims full cedit for each paper and each ensuring citation. This mismeasure of achievement is fuelling a flagrant increase in multi-authorship. Several alternatives to the h-index have been devised, and one of them, the individual h-index (h1), is logical, intuitive and easily calculated. Correcting for multi-authorship would end gratuitous authorship and allow proper attribution and unbaised comparisons.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58911
Title: Implications of fossil valleys and associated epigenetic gorges in parts of Central Himalayas.
Author: Girish Ch. Kothyari, Navin Juyal.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol 105(no 3), pp. 383-388 (2013)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Climate, epigenetic gorges, fossil valleys, incision, tectonics.
Abstract: Coventionally, epigenetic gorges in tectonically active orogen are attributed to the bedrock geometry and original valley configuration. Because they are invariably associated with fossil valleys containing appreciable sediment succession, it is argued that the older river course (epigenetic gorge). Thus it can be suggested that fossil valleys and gorges are the outcome of the climate-tectonic interaction. The present study is therefore undertaken in the monsoon-dominated and tectonically active inner Lesser Central Himalaya to understand the role of climate and tectonics in their evolution. Preliminary observations in three river valleys indicate that their locations (epigentic gorges) are structurally controlled (independent of lithology). However, the abandonment of old river course (fossil valleys) was caused due to the accelerated sedimentation (climatically induced). Chronology of the fill sediment indicates that old river course abandonment occurred during the early Holocene climatic optimum (15-9 ka), whereas the incision leading to the epigenetic gorge formation began after 9 ka.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58910
Title: Baseline sensitivity of brinjal shoot and fruit borer, Leucinodes orbonalis (Guenee) in South India to Cry1 Ac insecticidal protein of Bacillus thuringiensis..
Author: L Ranjithkumar, B V Patil, V N Ghante, M Bheemanna, Hosamani Arunkumar.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol 105(no 3), pp. 366-371 (2013)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Bacillus thuringiensis, baseline sensitivity, brinjal Cry1 Ac endotoxin, Leucinodes orbonalis.
Abstract: Studies were carried out to determine the baseline sensitivity of the brinjal shoot and fruit borer, Leucinodes orbonalis (Guenee) to Cry1Ac insecticidal protein of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) by a diet incorporation method for the populations collected from different locations in South Indian states (Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Goa) were sampled during 2009 and 2010 cropping seasons to understand the spatial baseline sensitivity. Median lethal concentrations (LC50) ranged between 0.020 and 0.042 ppm and moult inhibitory concentration (MIC50) values for L. orbonalis ranged from 0.03 to 0.014 ppm for 14 populations across two seasons. The overall variability in the sensitivity was 1-4-fold between the study locations. These benchmark values will be referenced while monitoring resistance to Cry1Ac provided Bt brinjal hybrids expressing Cry1Ac are approved for commercial cultivation in India.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58909
Title: Carbon footprint by marine fishing boats of India.
Author: E Vivekanandan, V V Singh, J K Kizhakudan.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol 105(no 3), pp. 361-366 (2013)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: CO2 emission, climate change, craft type, diesel consumption, fish catch.
Abstract: In Indian marine fisheries, the enhanced fishing effort and efficiency in the last five decades has resulted in substantial increase in diesel consumption, equivalent to CO2 emission of 0.30 million tonnes (mt) in the year 1961 to 3.60 mt in 2010. For every tonne of fish caught, the CO2 emission has increased from 0.50 to 1.02 t during the period. Large differences in CO2 emission between craft types were observed. In 2010, the larger mechanized boats (with inboard engine) emitted 1.18t CO2/t of fish caught, and the smaller motorized boats (with outboard motor) 0.59 t CO2/t of fish caught. Among the mechanized craft, the trawlers emitted more CO2 (1.43t CO2/t of fish) than the gillnetters, bagnetters, seiners, liners and dolnetters (0.56-1.07 t CO2/t of fish). There is scope to reduce CO2 by setting emission norms and improving fuel efficiency of marine fishing boats.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58908
Title: An expedition to Narcondam: Observations of marine and terrestrial fauna including the island-endemic hornbill.
Author: T R Shankar Raman, Divya Mudappa, Tasneem Khan, Umeed Mistry, Ajai Saxena, Kalyan Verma, Naveen Ekka, Janaki Lenin, Romulus Whitaker.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol 105(no 3), pp. 346-360 (2013)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Conservation, coral reefs, endemic species, Narcondam Hornbill, oceanic islands, wildlife protection.
Abstract: Oceanic islands, known for their ecologically sensitive ecosystems and endemic species, are of high conservation significance. The volcanic island of Narcondam in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Indian Ocean,is a prime example and the only home of the endemic and globally endangered Narcondam Hornbill. Despite its ecological and evolutionary significance, there has been limited biological exploration and research on the island over the last century. Here, we report on a 2010 expedition to Narcondam, presenting results of our rapid survey of island invertebrates, herpetofauna, mammals and birds (especially the endemic hornbill), and marine life in adjoining waters. The survey recorded dense coral growth in the surrounding water, and identified 17 fish, 2 sea cucumber, 8 reptile, 28 bird, and 2 mammal species and 13 spider and 8 butterfly taxa. Of these, 4 spiders, 3 butterflies and 6 birds identified to species are new records for the island. The Narcondam Hornbill was frequently encountered and we report trail-based estimates of encounter rate and density, which can serve as baseline for future monitoring. Both despite its isolation and because of it , Narcondam has faced a number of recent and serious conservation threats, including feral goats, poaching, habitat degradation around the police camp, and proposed installations. While efforts have been made by the Government authorities to stave-off various threats, we highlight the need for further scientific research and monitoring, while according primacy to strict protection and conservation.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58907
Title: Home range and resource selection of ' problem ' leopards trans-located to forested habitat.
Author: Krishnendu Mondal, Subhadeep Bhattacharjee, Shilpi Gupta, Kalyanasundaram Sankar, Qamar Qureshi.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol 105(no 3), pp. 338-345 (2013)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Home range, Human-leopard conflict, Panthera pardus, radio-telemetry, resource selection.
Abstract: To understan the home range and resource selection of trans-located leopards, two male leopards were captured from conflict areas and released in the Sariska Tiger Reserve, western India (March 2009-August 2010). Both the leopards were fitted with VHF radio-collar, and 148 locations were collected from the first leopard (SP1) and 268 locations from the second (SP2). Third order resource selection function (resource selection of the individual animal within its home range) was estimated from trans-located leopards using generalized linear mixed effect model with data on vegetation types, elevation, encounter rate of prey species and presence of tiger. With 100% minimum convex polygan (MCP), the estimated home range of SP1 and SP2 was 84.3 and 63.2 km2 respectively. Both the leopards established their home ranges in and around the Sariska Tiger Reserve. The resource use of the these translocated leopards increased with increasing area of Zizyphus mixed forest and Acacia mixed forest, and decreased with increasing area of Anogeissus- dominated forest. Similarly, they selected habitats with higher encounter rate of wild pig and nilgai, and used less the habitats with high encounter rate of chital and common langur. Finally, it was observed that the ' problem ' leopards in this study showed significant positive selectivity to the available natural vegetation types and wild-prey abundance, rather than degraded habitats and domestic prey species.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58906
Title: Light gaseous hydrocarbon studies in the near-surface soils of Tatipaka, Pasarlapudi and Kaza areas of Krishna- Godavari Basin, India.
Author: M Lakshmi, M A Rasheed, B Rajeswara Reddy, T Madhavi, M S Kalpana, D J Patil, A M Dayal.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol 105(no 3), pp. 330-337 (2013)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Adsorbed soil gas, hydrocarbons, micro seepage, oil and gas fields, petroleum exploration.
Abstract: One hundred and thirty-five soil samples were collected from a depth of 2-2.5 m near oil and gas fields of Tatipaka, Pasarlapudi, Ponnamanda, Kaza and Palakollu areas of Krishna-Godavari Basin, Andhra Pradesh, India and were analysed for light hydrocarbon gases. The adsorbed soil gas analysis showed the presence of moderate to low concentrations of methane (CH4; 2-83 ppb), ethane (C2H6 ;1-92 ppb), propane (C3H8 ; 1-134 ppb), butane (n-C4H10; 1-187 ppb), pentane (n-C5H12; 1-316 ppb) and ?
C2+ sum of C2H6, C3H8 and n-C4H10 (1-729 ppb) in the soil samples of the study area. The carbon isotopic composition ?13C1 of the samples ranged between -36.6% and -22.7%, which indicates thermogenic origin of methane. Observed concentrations of absorbed light hydrocarbon gases in soils have shown an interesting correlation of surface light hydrocarbon anomalies with the subsurface oil and gas accumulation in the study aea, demonstrating the usefulness of adsorbed soil gas technique in petroleum exploration.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58905
Title: Analysis of travel time reliability of an urban corridor using micro simulation techniques.
Author: Ch. Ravi Sekhar, E Madhu, B Kanagadurai, S Gangopadhyay.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol 105(no 3), pp. 319-329 (2013)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Micro simulation, road network, traffic congestion, travel time reliablity, urban corridor.
Abstract: The ever-increasing traffic congestion on urban roads leads to uncertainities in travel time necessitating the need to consider travel time reliability in measuring the efficiency of the transport system. In view of this, an attempt has been made in this study to examine the travel time reliability under the influence of various demand and supply side factors of the transportation system. For this purpose, an urban corridor of 2.5 km on National Highway 2 in the city of Delhi was considered. The traffic volume, speed and travel time data for one week were collected to analyse the travel time reliability measures. In order to assess the impact of various demand and supply side variations on travel time reliability, a microscopic traffic simulation model was developed using VISSIM software. The developed simulation model was successfully validated with the observed data and it was found from the analysis that travel time increases 5.3 and 6 times for the scenarios of increase in demand by 50% and lane closed for about 30 min respectively.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58904
Title: Conservation through cultivation: a promising opportunity for the critically endangered tree Gymnocladus assamicus.
Author: Baharul Choudhury, M L Khan.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol 105(no 3), pp. 294-295 (2013)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Conservation, cultivation, endangered tree, Gymnocladus assamicus.
Abstract: Extinction of species is considered as one of the greatest threats to humankind. Unfortunately, 99% of the species are threatened due to human activities such as habitat fragmentation, resource exploitation and global climate change. With the alarming increase of species extinction, scientists estimated the rate as high as 1,000-10,000 times higher than the natural extinction rate. If the process continues, we will be loosing as many as 30%-50% of all species by mid-century. Therefore, effective conservation and management of the biological diversity is urgently needed to face the challenges of climate change, sustainable development and food security.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58903
Title: Sustainable mountain development in Indian Himalayan region is under the shadow of regional instability.
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 3), pp. 293-294 (2013)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Sustainable mountain development, Indian Himalayan region, regional instability.
Abstract: Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) is characterized by a complex socio-ecological system, rich cultural and biological diversity. Himalaya forms as continuous chain of mountains from the West to East. However, the diversity in topography, latitudinal variations and rainfall factors in different parts of the Himalaya is incredible. The Himalayan mountains, located in Northern India play a significant role in deriving ecological benefits for mountains and adjacent plains of the country. Snow covered mountains, high altitude lakes and perennial rivers originating from the region are vital sources of drinking water, irrigation and hydroelectric power for nearly 1.5 billion people of eight countries located in IHR. Approximately 207,937 sq. km of forest cover spreading in IHR is pivotal to the ecosystem. The value of Himalayan forests in terms of carbon sequestration has been estimated to be around Rs 943 billion/year. IHR is also bestowed with a variety of medicinal plants. There are nearly 99 wildlife sancturies, 28 national parks, 5 biosphere reserves, 4 tiger reserves, 11 elephant reserves and 2 world heritage sites. Owing to the scenic topography, natural resources and sacred mountains, IHR is a leading destination for tourism, piligrimage, generation of hydroelectric power, medicinal plants and establishment of natural resources-based enterprises.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58902
Title: Potential of social network and internet media for biodiversity mapping and conservation.
Author: N A Aravind.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol 105(no 3), pp. 291-293 (2013)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Social network, Internet media, biodiversity mapping conservation.
Abstract: Internet and digital technology has revolutionized the rate and efficiency with which data and knowledge are transmitted and shared among people. In particular, the social media such as Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Flickr, e-mail discussion groups, etc,. has shrunk the communication space like never before and has turned out to be powerfull agents for obtaining rapid news updates, Their relatively easy access through computers, mobile phones and a host of other gadgets have made these very user friendly so much so they are probably the most frequently used technologies today. No wonder then an army of social networking sites are set afoot that transmit and share information on almost infinite number of issues ranging from sighting traffic offenders to stars in the night sky. Here, I discuss a specific case of how social network and internet media can effectively be used in biodiversity mapping and conservation.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58901
Title: Brazil: GIS for sustainable agriculture.
Author: Mateus Batistella.
Editor: Arup Dasgupta
Year: 2013
Publisher: Sanjay Kumar
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Geospatial World Vol 4(no 2), pp. 50-51 (2013)
Subject: Geospatial World
Keywords: GIS, Sustainable agriculture, geotechnologies.
Abstract: Brazil, one of the world ' s main agricultural powers, utilises geotechnologies to integrate datasets from several sources for sustainable agribusiness.
SOMABRASIL organises, integrates and makes geospatial databases available on the Web for spatially explicit analysis and dynamic visualisation, thus contributing to the understanding of land use and land cover changes.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58900
Title: UAS to monitor crop health status.
Author: Tamme Van Der Wal.
Editor: Arup Dasgupta
Year: 2013
Publisher: Sanjay Kumar
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Geospatial World Vol 4(no 2), pp. 48-49 (2013)
Subject: Geospatial World
Keywords: Crop health status, Multispectral , thermal, hyperspectral, cameras.
Abstract: UAS is a flexible and agile way of collecting imagery to monitor crops and for mapping out differences in crop growth and health status.
Besides multispectral and thermal cameras, hyperspectral cameras are also being made available for UAS platforms. Given the increasing autonomy of the UAS Platform, it may not be long before every farmer posseses his UAS.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58899
Title: RS technology for Crop Insurance.
Author: Joachim Herbold
Editor: Arup Dasgupta
Year: 2013
Publisher: Sanjay Kumar
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Geospatial World Vol 4(no 2), pp. 42-44 (2013)
Subject: Geospatial World
Keywords: Remote Sensing, Crop Insurance.
Abstract: Despite advances in the use of remote sensing technology in the field of agriculture, data analysis and developing applications for agricultural risk management have proved to be more complex and expensive than anticipated.
Crop insurance systems will be developed and implemented as public-private partnerships more and more in developing economies as advances in remote sensing technology fuels this trend.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58898
Title: G-tech supports a Common Agriculture Policy in Europe.
Author: Philippe Loudjani
Editor: Arup Dasgupta
Year: 2013
Publisher: Sanjay Kumar
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Geospatial World Vol 4(no 2), pp. 38-39 (2013)
Subject: Geospatial World
Keywords: G-Tech, Agricultural policy, Geo-referenced, uptodate nation wide image datasets, technical innovations, geospatial domain, Europe.
Abstract: Europe ' s Common Agricultural Policy has moved towards accomodating geo-referenced, online information supported by upto-date nation-wide image datasets. This has largely been facilitated by technical innovations within the geospatial domain.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None