ID: 54637
Title: Assessing urbanization patterns over India using temporal DMSP-OLS night-time satellite data
Author: P K Joshi, Brij Mohan Bairwa, Richa Sharma, Vinay S P Sinha
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Assosiation, Vol 100, No 10, 25 May 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: None
Abstract: None
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54636
Title: Fluorosis: a persistent problem
Author: V T Yadugiri
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Assosiation, Vol 100, No 10, 25 May 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: None
Abstract: None
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54635
Title: An effective approach for evaluation of physico-chemical properties of dust-suppressant chemicals and their application on unpaved haul road of opencast mines
Author: A Kumar, B K Tewary, M Ahmed
Editor: P K Bhattacharya
Year: 2011
Publisher: TERI, Vol 10, No 1, March 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: TIDEE- TERI Information Digest on Energy and Environment
Keywords: Generation, dust, water, chemical, suppression, properties, evaluation
Abstract: The generation of air-borne dust from unpaved haul roads of opencast mines can be effectively suppressed by mixing dust-suppressant chemicals in spraying water. Before applying any suppressant, it is necessary to evaluate its physical and chemical properties to ensure safety of human beings, as well as that of the working environment. Studies of physico-chemical properties can predict quality, effectiveness in controlling air-borne dust, and its effect on flora and fauna. The neutral character of chemical solution, penetration of water in the road bed, fire hazard, evaluation of poisonous gas at high atmospheric temperatures, degradation of chemical structure over time, presence of toxic metals, and effect on human health, plants, and aquatic life are to be studied. The scientific study described below provides an effective methodology for evaluation of physico-chemical properties of dust-suppressant chemical and its application on unpaved haul road of opencast mines.
Location: 232
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54634
Title: Comparison of oxygenation efficiency of aerators
Author: Hukum Singh and Bindu Kataria
Editor: P K Bhattacharya
Year: 2011
Publisher: TERI, Vol 10, No 1, March 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: TIDEE- TERI Information Digest on Energy and Environment
Keywords: None
Abstract: None
Location: 232
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54633
Title: Energy saving in buildings by automation
Author: Arindam Dutta, Ankush Chowdhury and Dr Subhasis Neogi
Editor: P K Bhattacharya
Year: 2011
Publisher: TERI, Vol 10, No 1, March 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: TIDEE- TERI Information Digest on Energy and Environment
Keywords: PLC, occupancy sensor, level detectors, alarm, indication lamp, temperature detectors
Abstract: To maintain power and reduce wastage of energy in a building, an automatic control system is needed. Building automation optimizes energy savings and reduces operating costs, thereby lowering total cost of ownership. Futhermore, it enhances security and convenience. This automation process will also monitor the overall building and identify the place and faults, as and when these occur. The system will work in an intelligent manner. It is faster, reliable, and has less maintenance cost. The system has been designed using PLC. In this paper, a strategic approach is provided with a ladder diagram tested by GE Fanuc PLC.
Location: 232
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54632
Title: Mobility Crisis: Agenda for Action 2010
Author: None
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 100, No 7, 10 April 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: None
Abstract: None
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54631
Title: Time clustering of earthquakes in the Sumatra-Andaman and Himalayan regions
Author: A Ambikapathy and V K Gahalaut
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 100, No 7, 10 April 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Earthquake, stress, Sumatra-Andaman region, time cluster
Abstract: Increased frequency of earthquakes in the Sumatra-Andaman region in the past 10 years reflects time clustering of earthquakes and does not neccessarily imply low recurrence interval of earthquake in the region. Time clustering of earthquakes can occur either due to the stress change (either through static or dynamic stress transfer) caused by the occurrence of a great earthquake in the region, or it could just be a chance in which earthquake occurrence is almost simultaneous in two or more segments, despite differences in the earthquake cycle due to difference in the phase of strain accumulation, rheology, plate convergence rate, etc. in these segments. We note that the Himalaya and the adjoining regions too showed earthquake time clustering during 1897-1950.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54630
Title: Distribution, abundance and conservation of primates in the Highwavy Mountains of Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu, India and conservation prospects for lion-tailed macaques
Author: Honnavalli N Kumara, R Sasi, R Suganthasakthivel and G Srinivas
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 100, No 7, 10 April 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Distribution, Highwavys, lion-tailed macaque, Megamalai, primates
Abstract: In the present study, we surveyed the primate species in the Highwavy Mountains of Tamil Nadu, India. Five primate species, including Nilgiri langur, Hanuman langur, bonnet macaque, lion-tailed macaque and slender loris were recorded in the region. Coffee and cardomom plantations in the hill system still hold the population of endangered lion-tailed macaque and Nilgiri langur. However, tea plantations act as a barrier for the movement of primate groups between the forest patches. The disturbance in the hill system and its consequence may be a reason for the increased group size of lion- tailed macaques. The inclusion of the lion-tailed macaques. The inclusion of the lion-tailed macaque occurring areas to the newly declared Megamalai Wildflife Sanctuary in the High-wavy mountains is recommended.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54629
Title: Combined retrograde-antegrade approach: a novel technique for endotracheal intubation in rats
Author: Gurpreet S Gulati, Hemlata Verma, Milind P Hote, Harishankar, Sandeep Seth, Sujata Mohanty, Sanjiv Sharma, Balram Bhargava and Balram Airan
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 100, No 7, 10 April 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Endotracheal intubation, experimental techniques, Wistar rats
Abstract: Endotracheal intubation in small animals is necessary for many different experiments. However, security airway access can be difficult due to a variety of factors. We describe a modified approach for intubation in rats. Wistar rats (wt 150-300 g and age 5-7 weeks) were used. After intra-peritoneal anesthesia, a guide wire was retrogradely inserted into the trachea, pulled out through the oral cavity and the intubation cannula introduced antegradely over it. The procedure was successful in all (15/15) animals. Time to secure access was 21.06 + 6.31min. Intubation was simple, safe and reliable for the entire duraction of the actual experiment (2.67 +0.80 h) and performed with equal success by all operators. No intubation -related mortality was noted.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54628
Title: Why uproot Picrorhiza kurrooa, an endangered medicinal herb?
Author: Harsharan Singh, Parul Gahlan, Som Dutt, Paramvir Singh Ahuja and Sanjay Kumar
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 100, No 7, 10 April 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Conservation, Picrorhiza kurrooa, picrosides
Abstract: Picrorhiza (Picrorhiza kurrooa Royle ex Benth) is a small, perennial herb widely used in traditional as well as modern system of medicine. This plant grows in Himalayan region at elevations ranging from 3000 to 5000 m above the sea level and listed as endangered species due to extensive extraction of plant from the nature and lack of organized cultivation. Underground parts (roots and rhizomes) are used for extraction of picrosides, the medicinally important constituents of Picrorhiza. We studied the presence of picrosides in leaf tissue. Reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography was employed for the detection of picrosides in different tissues, viz., root, rhizome and leaf as well as during different stages of plant development. Picrosides were present in leaf tissues at all the stages of development. Importantly, the leaf biomass was higher compared to that of roots and rhizomes. Results suggested that the leaf, rather than rhizomes and roots may be used as source of picrosides so that the underground parts left after leaf harvest can give rise to new plants in the subsequent year, thus helping in multipliation of plants year after year and conserving Picrorhiza.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54627
Title: Groundwater management in a coastal aquifer in Krishna River Delta, South India using isotopic approach
Author: Bhishm Kumar, M S Rao, A K Gupta and P Purushothaman
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 100, No 7, 10 April 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Coastal aquifers, environmental isotopes, hydrochemistry, river delta, salinity, seawater intrusion
Abstract: Groundwater conditions in the multi-aquifer system in the Krishna River Delta, India, were studied through an integrated approach using hydrochemical, hydrogeological and isotopic techniques. This study was taken up because of the reported seawaer intrusion into the groundwater system of this agriculturally rich region. The results, of hydrochemistry and environmental tritium including the radiocarbon dates, indicate that the origin of salinity in the aquifer systems is due to palaeo-geographical conditions. The salinity front is observed to be at 25, 30 and 50 km distance in shallow, intermediate and deeper aquifers respectively from the coast. The modern irrigation practices using intensive canal network has led to refreshening of the aquifer systems. The extent of refreshning has been mapped using hydrochemistry and environmental tritium. The recharge fo ground water by the canal system can be expedited by developing the canal network in the area having high potential for groundwater recharge. This will result in further reduction of salinity in the Krishna delta region. Further, Cl-/Br- ratio and stable isotopes () have been used to study the aquifer-aquifer interconnectivity and to identify perched aquifers within the study area.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54626
Title: Role of gibberellins in regulation of source - sink relations under optimal and limiting environmental conditions
Author: Noushina Iqbal, Rahat Nazar, M Iqbal R Khan, Asim Masood and Nafees A Khan
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 100, No 7, 10 April 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Gibberellins, invertase, phloem loading, sink, source, stress
Abstract: Gibberellins (GAs) are plant growth regulators that are known to stimulate physiological responses in plants and alter the source-sink metabolism through their effect on photosynthesis and sink formation. GAs promote fructose-1, 6-biphosphatase and sucrose phosphate synthase and stimulate phloem loading. Photosynthate translocation from source to the developing sink is a major contributing factor towards increasing the sink strength, and GAs are the key regulators of the process through which the extracellular invertase involved in phloem unloading, carbohydrate partitioning and growth of sink tissues is induced. Gibberellic acid is the major contributor in the process of source and sink formation and is one of the most commonly studied GAs. Recent studies indicate that GA signalling is involved in adjustment of plants under limiting environmental conditions and maintains source-sink relations. This adjustment could be mediated through the influence of GA on the regulation of salicylic acid biosynthesis. Here we focus on the developments and understanding of integraion of GA action with the metabolic process under optimal and limiting environmental conditions for maintaining source-sink relation. Further advances in the cross talk between gibberellins and salicylic acid are discussed with reference to abiotic stress tolerance and source-sink relation.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54625
Title: Managing natural resources through simple and appropriate technological interventions for sustainable mountain development
Author: R K Maikhuri, L S Rawat, Vikram S Negi, V K Purohit, K S Rao and K G Saxena
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 100, No 7, 10 April 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Capacity building, mountains, Natural resources, sustainable development, technological interventions
Abstract: Poor access to appropriate technologies due to difficult topographies and tough mountain conditions is one of the major causes of poverty, drudgery and natural resources degradation not only in the Indian Central Himalaya, but also in other parts of the Hindu-Kush Himalaya. Of late, development planners have realized the importance of suitable or appropriate technologies and practices, and therefore have stressed upon the need for large-scale demonstration, on-site training capacity building and skill development of user groups in rural and marginal areas of the region. The Garhwal Unit of G B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development is one among the few organizations in the Indian Himalayan region involved in testing, developing, upgrading, validating and demonstrating appropriate technologies through action and participatory research. As a result of these efforts, a number of farmers and other stakeholders, including NGOs and educational institutions have adopted some of the potential rural technologies at various levels. The technologies preferred and adopted by the farmers include protected cultivation, water-harvesting tank technology, zero-energy cool chamber, bio- and vermi- composting, bioprospecting of wild resources, biobrequestting, mushroom cultivation and sloping watershed environmental engineering technology. It is hoped that the improved capacities of local farmers will help in the widespread adoption of rural technologies in Central Himalaya and other countries in the Hindu-Kush Himalayan region facing common problems/issues and having similar environmental and socio-economic conditions.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54624
Title: Current species identities and scientific names of Indian birds: doubts, queries and counsel
Author: Kumar Ghorpade
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 100, No 7, 10 April 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Taxonomy, birds
Abstract: It is theorized here that several ' races ' of Indian bird species require upgradation through careful taxonomic revisions, as is being undertaken by systematic ornithologists abroad. Bird students are prudently advised to revert to using names in the New Synopsis, which included subspecies, with thier diagnostic characters and geographical ranges explained in the Indian Handbook, and also to incorporate updates in the recent Ripley Guide. Unless currently treated polytypic species are identiifed to the correct trinomial, several ' species ' names used now would be suspect or erroneous, being only rough and incomplete identifications, and therefore scientifically incorrect for leads to relevant information.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54623
Title: Automotive industry effluent treatment for elimination of Cr (VI) using activated carbon prepared from Artemesia vulgaris stem waste for pollution reduction
Author: K Geetha, M Manjula Devi, S Ramesh Chandran, S V Sarvanan and M Selvaraj
Editor: Dr R K Trivedy
Year: 2010
Publisher: EM International, Vol 29 (3), 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Pollution Research
Keywords: Automotive pollution, elimination, activated carbon, adsorption, partical size, pH
Abstract: The carbonaceous sorbent prepared from the plant waste (Artemesia vulgaris) by acid treatment was converted to activated carbon. It was tested for its efficiency in removing heavy metal like Cr (VI) from automotive industry effluent. The batch mode adsorption experiments were carried out and the carbonization of plant waste, characterization of carbon were studied. The factors affecting the rate process involved in the elimination of metal initial metal concentration, agitation time, carbon dose and particle size have been studied at room temperature. The adsorption process followed first order kinetics. The first order rate equations of Lagergren and Venkobatchar-bhattacharya were tested on the kinetic data, and isotherm data were analyzed for possible agreement with the Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherm equations. The intra particle diffusion was tested by Weber-Morris equation. It is found to be the rate determining step and it is an activated adsorption adn obeys first order kinetics. The rate of elimination of Cr (VI) ion is found to be 2.2 mg/g min0.5 at 10 mg/L if initial metal ion concentration. The present adsorbate-adsorbent system is found to obey the Freundlich equation.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None