ID: 57486
Title: Historic calibration of the thermal infrared band of Landsat-5 TM
Author: Francis P Padula and John R Schott
Editor: Russell G Congalton
Year: 2010
Publisher: ASPRS, Vol 76, No 11, November 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing
Keywords: Thematic Mapper (TM),
Abstract: This investigation was motivated by the need for radiometric calibration of the Landsat-5 Thematic Mapper (TM) thermal band (Band 6), covering its 25 years of operation. Through fusion of environmental data and physical modeling, a vicarious calibration approach was implemented. Results, which were demonstrated to agree with data from previous field campaigns, indicate the Landsat-5 thermal band has been calibrated to better than 1 K over the 24 + years in orbit. The data indicate the sensor exhibits a small gain error (approximately constant over time) and a bias shift for all data ost - 1999. The lifetime calibration error can be reduced to + 0.49 K, in reference to a 300 K blackbody, by a pair of linear corrections. This study established that the methodology presented can be implemented to achieve a very high level of radiometric integrity, applicable to both historic and current data from remote thermal infrared systems.
Location: TE 12, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None


ID: 57485
Title: Policy-response towards achieving the biodiversity targets - 2010 and beyond: research questions for developing indicators to assess progress
Author: Neeraj Khera, Sebastian Winkler and Andras Krolopp
Editor: R K Pachauri
Year: 2010
Publisher: TERI, Vol 7, Issue 1, March 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Resources Energy and Development
Keywords: Biodiversity target, indicators
Abstract: Triggered by the unprecedented loss of biodiversity, the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity adopted the 2010 biodiversity target, that is, " to achieve, by 2010, a significant reduction of the current rate of biodiversity loss at the global, regional, and national level, as a contribution to poverty alleviation and to the benefit of all life on Earth". This target is now being revised as a post-2010 target. Whatever the target may, be-2010 or beyond, the challenge step is to put mechanisms in place to track progress towards the targets. There is a large body of trend indicators as well as response indicators for assessing progress towards the target. In this paper, based on a conceptual framework and available information, we reviewed the existing scenario on the biodiversity targets, which resulted in a set of criteria and a set of policy-relevant research questions to be further developed as policy-response indicators for assessing progress that the countries are making towards achieving the biodiversity targets. The criteria and research questions are grouped under four policy areas: implementation mechanism of global biodiversity conventions at the national level; integration of biodiversity into policies and programs of other sectors; public awareness and support, and availability of resources to work towards the targets. The indicators need to be measured at national level and monitored globally.
Location: TE 12, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None


ID: 57484
Title: Trade and environment: Multilateral institutions and sustainable development
Author: Saon Ray
Editor: R K Pachauri
Year: 2010
Publisher: TERI, Vol 7, Issue 1, March 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Resources Energy and Development
Keywords: World Trade Organisation (WTO), Sustainable development
Abstract: Environmental problems require multilateral solutions rather than unilateral ones. Several multilateral environmental agreement exist, and each has its own institutional mechanism. This study examines the provisions of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in the context of the environment with a view to understand the lessons that can be drawn from the multilateral trade negotiations for the sustainable development context.
Location: TE 12, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None


ID: 57483
Title: Status of methane emissions from wastewater and role of clean development mechanisms in India
Author: P Aswale, M Karthik and T Nandy
Editor: P K Bhattacharya
Year: 2010
Publisher: TERI, Vol 9, No 2, June 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: TIDEE- TERI Information Digest on Energy and Environment
Keywords: Greenhouse gases, global warming, wastewater, clean development mechanisms
Abstract: Growth in population and industries is linked to the increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHGs), such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide. CH4 emissions are important, since their global warming potential is 21 times higher than that of CO2. Almost all the countries have identified sources that are potential is 21 times higher than that of CO2. Almost all the countries have identified sources that are potential CH4 emitters, and wastewater is one of them. Inventory estimates are prepared considering the Tier I approach based on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines for the estimation of CH4 emissions from wastewater. The estimates provide an insight into the quantum of CH4 emission from wastewater handling in India. This study indicates increasing quantity of CH4 gas emissions from both domestic and industrial wastewaters during 1980-2008. Emission estimates have uncertainties due to many variables involved. Reduction in uncertainties is achieved through increased inputs of primary and secondary data. This article discusses GHG emission with special references to CH4 market based on incentives, such as Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) that provides opportunities for developing countries to improve upon existing wastewater handling and infrastructure.
Location: TE 12, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None


ID: 57482
Title: Surya: Solar explorations since Galileo
Author: Mohan Sundara Rajan
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2012
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 103, No 8, 25 October 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: None
Abstract: None
Location: TE 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None


ID: 57481
Title: Invasion and abundance of reef-inhabiting fishes in the Vellar estuary, southeast coast of India, especially the lionfish Pterois volitans Linnaeus
Author: S Prakash, J Balamurugan, T T Ajith Kumar and T Balasubramanian
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2012
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 103, No 8, 25 October 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Abundance, invasion, Pterois volitans, Vellar estuary
Abstract: Invasion of lionfish Pterois volitans and other reef fishes in the Vellar estuary, Parangipettai (lat. 11029 ' N, long. 790 46 ' E) southeast coast of India, is a cause of concern as it may affect the local fishing communities and the estuarine ecological conditions. The present study reveals the temporal variations in the abundance of the reef-inhabiting fishes in the different estuarine locations (oyster beds, mangroves and bridge). A total of 184 individuals of lionfish were captured from a three locations during April-September 2011. Different size groups were caught (total length 6.8 -17.8 cm) throughout the sampling period and captured individuals were more (n =164) near the mangroves and oyster beds, than those (n = 20) found near the man-made structure (bridge). Percentage capture of lionfish was higher during August. Other reef associated fishes were also recorded and the family Acanthuridae (n = 51) was dominated and the remaining taxa were less abundant. Twelve prey taxa were identified through gut content analysis of lionfish that includes penaeids, non-penaeids adn teleosts. The dominant taxa were found to be the shrimps, indicating the colonization of lionfish in newer but natural habitat as feeding ground. The human-driven changes may facilitate the successful intrusion of reef fishes in the estuaries.
Location: TE 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None


ID: 57480
Title: Conservation status of wild mammals in Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary, the Western Ghats, India
Author: Honnavalli N Kumara, A Rathnakumar, R Sasi and M Singh
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2012
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 103, No 8, 25 October 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Biomass, density, herbivores, noctural mammals, wildlife sanctuary
Abstract: For proper management of a wildlife reserve, it is essential to get estimates of occurrence, abundance, density and biomass of herbivores that in turn determine the density of carnivores. The Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary (BRT WLS) is a critical conservation region as it is a living bridge between the Eastern and the Western Ghats of southern Inida. We made repeated walks of 795.5 km on 33 random line transects covering a total distance of 93 km in the sanctuary. During these walks, we recorded the sightings of herbivores using rangefinder, compass and GPS. We also surveyed the sanctuary driving a jeep during nights to detect typically nocturnal mammals. We analysed the data using DISTANCE software. We recorded 31 species of herbivores and the density of these species differed among habitats that included evergreen, moist deciduous, dry deciduous and shrub forests. Several nocturnal species, including elusive small cats were sighted. We found that leaving out elephants, the herbivore biomass in BRT WLS was 4,127.82 kg/Km2. This places BRT among some of the herbivore-rich wildlife reserves in the country. We recommend that BRT be notified as a Tiger Reserve.
Location: TE 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None


ID: 57479
Title: Plant parastitic nematodes associated with Bt cotton
Author: S Lingaraju, Priti Sonavane, M M Jamadar, S I Harlapur, R S Bhat and S S Udikeri
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2012
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 103, No 8, 25 October 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: None
Abstract: The present study on the plant nematodes associated with Bt cotton crop growth in northern Karnataka, India covered several aspects like a nematode randon survey in Bt cotton-growing areas of the state, nematodes community analysis, pathogenicity and biology of a dominant nematode and reaction of Bt cotton cultivars and hybrids to that nematode. A random survey undertaken in the Bt cotton-growing districts of northern Karnataka for the associated nematodes in cotton rhizosphere soil and root samples showed the presence of plant pathogenic nematodes, mainly reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis), lesion nematode (Pratylenchus sp) and some dorylaimid pathogens. Other plant pathogenic species were present in less numbers. Community analysis showed that these nematodes were important in the cotton-growing areas surveyed. Pathogenic nature of reniform nematode on a Bt cotton cultivar was demonstrated in greenhouse studies. The nematode requried 27-29 days for the completion fo one generation under Dharwad conditions. Many inter-and intraspecific hirsutum Bt- hybrids were not found susceptible to the reniform nematode infection, but MRC-7918 and Tulsi-117 were found to be moderately suseptible.
Location: TE 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None


ID: 57478
Title: Marine mammal bruellosis: a new dimension to an old zoonosis
Author: S D Thakur, R K Vaid, A K Panda and Yogesh Saini
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2012
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 103, No 8, 25 October 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Brucellosis, marine mammals, reproductive disorders, zoonotic diseases
Abstract: Brucellosis is an important zoonotic animal disease, transmissible to man. Brucella research recently has been marked with the discovery of a number of novel species and hosts therein. Isolation of newer Brucella- like bacteria in recent years from marine mammals became a significant new development. These bacterial were shown to cause a wide variety of reproductive disorders, inclukding abortion and meningoencephalitis among marine mammals. Three human cases with naturall acquired infection and one case of laboratory-acquired infection by Brucella strains of marine origin have put these novel marine brucellae in the same category of zoonoses of concern.
Location: TE 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None


ID: 57477
Title: Studies on curry leaf (Murraya koenigii) seeds
Author: K Sivasubramanian, K Selvarani
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2012
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 103, No 8, 25 October 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: None
Abstract: None
Location: TE 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None


ID: 57476
Title: Cordyceps sinensis: fungus inhabiting the Himalayas and a source of income
Author: A K Bhandari, J S Negi, V K Bisht, Narayan Singh, R C Sundriyal
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2012
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 103, No 8, 25 October 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: None
Abstract: None
Location: TE 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None


ID: 57475
Title: Commercial revegetation of Kappaphycus alvarezii along Indian seas
Author: S Satheesh, M R Kitto
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2012
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 103, No 8, 25 October 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: None
Abstract: None
Location: TE 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None


ID: 57474
Title: Religious taboo among the tribes of West Kameng- an excellent traditional system of conserving biodiversity
Author: Sanjeeb Bharali, Mohamed Latif Khan
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2012
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 103, No 8, 25 October 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: None
Abstract: None
Location: TE 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None


ID: 57473
Title: Depletion of traditional knowledge of medicinal plants
Author: Ninad Bhuvaneshwar Raut, Bhupendra Singh Adhikari, Gopal Singh Rawat
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2012
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 103, No 8, 25 October 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: None
Abstract: None
Location: TE 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None


ID: 57472
Title: Reforestation programme at Ramdurga village, Koppal district, Karnataka
Author: Mayank Tripathi, Geeta Seshamani, Kartick Satyanarayana
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2012
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 103, No 8, 25 October 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: None
Abstract: None
Location: TE 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None