Enter records

ID: 54200
Title: Assessment of post tsunami coral reef resource in Pongi Balu coast, south Andaman Islands
Author: Dilip Kumar Jha, N V Vinithkumar, J Santhnakumar, A K Abdul Nazar and R Kirubagaran
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 100, No 4, 25 February 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Coral reefs, geographic information system, satellite data, south Andaman
Abstract: In the present study, an assessment of the status of coral reefs along the Pongi Balu coast, south Andaman Islands, which is a part of the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, has been made by scuba diving, low draft glass-bottom boat and visual interpretation in some places during low-tide condition. The coral reef boundaries have been accurately determined with the help of a low draft glass-bottom boat fitted with a real time kinematics global positioning system, and the existing coral reefs map of the area has been updated using the geographic information system technique. A total of 161.6 ha of previously existed live coral reefs were surveyed along the Pongi Balu coast and out of that ' live cora ' was found over 81.4 ha and ' dead coral ' was found over 60.6 ha whereas 19.6 ha area was found to have been lost from the existing coral reefs and categorized as ' no coral ' . The study highlights a few natural and anthropogenic factors affecting the existing coral reefs and hindering the re-establishment of coral reefs in the study area.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None

ID: 54199
Title: Detection of potential site for future human habitability on the Moon using Chandrayann -1 data
Author: A S Arya, R P Rajasekhar, Guneshwar Thangjam, Ajai and A S Kiran Kumar
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 100, No 4, 25 February 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Human habitability, lava tube, Moon, rille
Abstract: Chandrayaan-1, the maiden Indian lunar spacecraft, carried 11 different scientific payloads on -board. The Terrain Mapping Camera (TMC) having 5 m spatial resolution and three-dimensional viewing capability had better sensor parameters than other similar cameras flown to the Moon before this mission. TMC captured the lunar surface features with unprecedented clarity. A buried, uncollapsed and near horizontal lava tube was detected in TMC stereo images of the Oceanus Procellarum area on the Moon. A Digital Elevation Model was generated to view the feature in three-dimensional perspective. A couple of rilles have been found to be connected sub-surfacially by an undamaged lava tube, indicating that the roof of this section of the tube has remained intact since its formation. The lava tube has been analysed thoroughly in terms of morphometry, topography, surface composition and surface ages of the surrounding regions. Such a lava tube could be a potential site for further human habitability on the Moon for future human missions and scientific explorations, providing a safe environment from hazardous radiations, micro-meteoritic impacts, extreme temperatures and dust storms.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None

ID: 54198
Title: Enhanced carbonation reaction using chitosan-based carbonic anhydrase nanoparticles
Author: Renu Yadav, T Satyanarayanan, Swati Kotwal and Sadhana Rayalu
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 100, No 4, 25 February 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Carbonation reaction, carbonic anhydrase, single enzyme nanoparticle, stability
Abstract: The objective of the present study was to develop a single enzyme nanoparticle of carbonic anhydrase (SEN-CA), formed by modifying the surface of CA with a thin layer of organic/inorganic hybrid bio-polymer such as chitosan. SEN-CA enhances the rate of CO2 hydration further, for subsequent fixation into stable mineral carbonates, compared to free CA. SEN-CA shows CO2 sequestration capacity of 147 mg of CaCO3/mg of CA, which is far better than CO2 sequestration capacity of 35 mg of CaCO3/mg for free CA under limiting concentration of CO2 (14.5 mg of CO2/10 ml). SEN-CA showed improved stability compared to free enzyme assayed by carbonation reaction.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None

ID: 54197
Title: Ground-penetrating radar applied to imaging sheet joints in granite bedrock
Author: D Mysaiah, K Maheswari, M Srihari Rao, P Senthil Kumar and T Seshunarayana
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 100, No 4, 25 February 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: 54196
Title: Economic valuation of forest soils
Author: G. Sandhya Kiran and Malhi Ramandeep Kaur M
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 100, No 3, 10 February 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Cost-benefit analysis, economic valuation, forest soils, soil fertility, use value
Abstract: Quantifying the cost associated with forest activities is an effective way of managing and maintaining forests. This can be achieved by the economic valuation of our forest resources in terms of cost-benefit analysis (CBA). However, such studies on economic valuation of forest soils in India are sparse. The present work on environmental accounting of forest soils of Halol Range, Gujarat highlights the cost and benefit related to the resources. The work reflects the real contribution of different forest restoration activities carried out in this area. It has brought out the precise amount of economic loss or economic benefit due to changes in soil nutrient status. Multitemporal analysis of the soils with respect to changes in the soil fertility status (i.e. 1997-2009) and economic valuation for the resulting changes based on nutrient replacement cost have been done. Though the 1997 analysis showed overall economic loss, the restoration activities by the Forest Department (FD) had not only overcome this loss, but brought in economic benefits of about Rs 388.13/ha in 2009. Though many a times the indirect benefits of the FD activities are not visualized, such indirect CBA of forest resources highlights the benefits of these activities.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None

ID: 54195
Title: Effect of Himalayan topography on two-dimensional interpretation of magnetotelluric data
Author: G. Pavan Kumar and A Manglik
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 100, No 3, 10 February 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Magnetotelluric data, mountainous regions, resistivity curves, topographic variations
Abstract: Magnetotelluric method is a powerful tool for deep crustal studies of tectonically active mountainous regions such as the Himalaya, where logistic constraints severely limit the use of other artificial source electrical and electromagnetic methods. Topographic variations in mountains regions distort apparent resistivity curves and thus lead to artefacts in interpreted models. In the present work, we have analysed a simplified two-dimensional (2D) model of the subsurface electrical resistivity structure along a profile in the Garhwal Himalaya for the effect of topography. The topography varies significantly along the profile between the foothills and the higher Himalaya. We first computed TE and TM-mode apparent resistivity and phase curves at various stations along the profile for a model with topography and then inverted these datasets for two cases. In the first case the surface of the earth was assumed to be flat, whereas in the second case the actual topography was included in the model. The results suggest that the interpreted model assuming flat earth is similar to the one obtained by including topography in the model. Inclusion of 10% Gaussian noise to the synthetic data does not change these results. Thus, we infer that the effect of 2D topography is not prominent in the 2D interpretation of the selected Garhwal Himalaya profile.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None

ID: 54194
Title: Seasonal prediction of the Indian monsoon
Author: Sulochana Gadgil and J Srinivasan
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 100, No 3, 10 February 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Atmospheric models, Indian summer monsoon, seasonal prediction, simulation
Abstract: Under the project ' Seasonal Prediction of the Indian Monsoon ' (SPIM), the prediction of Indian summer monsoon rainfall by five atmospheric general circulation models (AGCMs) during 1985-2004 was assessed. The project was a collaborative effort of the coordinators and scientists from the different modelling groups across the country. All the runs were made at the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC) at Bangalore on the PARAM Padma supercomputing system. Two sets of simulations were made for this purpose. In the first set, the AGCMs were forced by the observed sea surface temperature (SST) for May-September during 1985-2004. In the second set, runs were made for 1987, 1988, 1994, 1997 and 2002 forced by SST which was obtained by assuming that the April anomalies persist during May-September. The results of the first set of runs show, as expected from earlier studies, that none of the models were able to simulate the correct sign of the anomaly of the Indian summer monsoon rainfall for all the years. However, among the five models, one simulated the correct sign in the largest number of years and the second model showed maximum skill in the simulation of the extremes (i.e. droughts or excess rainfall years). The first set of runs showed some common bias which could arise from an excessive sensitivity of the models to El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) or an inability of the models to simulate the link of the Indian monsoon rainfall to Equatorial Indian Ocean Oscillation (EQUINOO), or both. Analysis of the second set of runs showed that with a weaker ENSO forcing, some models could simulate the link with EQUINOO, suggesting that the errors in the monsoon simulations with observed SST by these models could be attributed to unrealistically high sensitivity to ENSO.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None

ID: 54193
Title: Leaf traits and herbivory as indicators of ecosystem function
Author: Prajjwal Dubey, Gyan P Sharma, A S Raghubanshi and J S Singh
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 100, No 3, 10 February 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Grazing, litter decomposition, nutrient dynamics, plant functional types
Abstract: Plant functional types bridge the gap between plant physiology and ecosystem processes. In the present article, we review the plant functional traits and their response to grazing, and discuss how this affects the nutrient dynamics of the system under the pressure of herbivory. The results also strengthen the management of ecosystems being grazed by herbivores.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None

ID: 54192
Title: Role of cyclones and other factors in the decline of the ports of northern Orissa
Author: Sila Tripati and A S Unnikrishnan
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 100, No 3, 10 February 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Cyclones, east coast of India, Orissa, ports, siltation, storm surges, tidal range
Abstract: The maritime trade of Orissa with transoceanic countries is evident from the early historical period onwards. It has been observed that new ports were set up after the decline of old ports in the nearby vicinity; however, information on the decline of ancient ports is very sparse. The archival and historical records of the 16th and 19th centuries and the writings of contemporary scholars mention the ports of northern Orissa, viz., Balasore, Dhamra, Pipli, Chandbali, Laichanpur, Churamani and False Point, and their decline because of the shifting of the power centre, heavy taxation, bribes and sometimes due to natural forces such as siltation, formation of sandbars and cyclones. The devastating cyclones which occurred along the Orissa coast between 1823 and 1900 caused enormous loss of human lives and property and destroyed the ports and port structures. The role of cyclones in the decline of these ports is scarcely mentioned in contemporary literature. Occurrences of storm surges durign cyclonic events combined with the relatively large tidal ranges present along the Orissa coast caused tremendous destruction in the coastal area. In this article, an attempt has been made to study the decline of the ports of northern Orissa between Paradip and Sagar and to understand the various causative factors such as cyclones, storm surges and siltation, besides anthropogenic factors.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None

ID: 54191
Title: Dumortierite from Susunia Hill, Bankura District, West Bengal, India
Author: Samiran Mahapatra and Aniket Chakrabarty
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 100, No 3, 10 February 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: 54190
Title: Biodiversity access and benefit-sharing: weaving a rope of sand
Author: K D Prathapan and Priyadarsanan Dharma Rajan
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 100, No 3, 10 February 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: 54189
Title: Mutualism of spider crab, Doclia ovis (Herbst, 1790) in Indian waters
Author: Prasanna Yennawar and Prasad Tudu
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 100, No 3, 10 February 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: 54188
Title: Conflict between development and the environment
Author: K Kesava Rao
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 100, No 3, 10 February 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: 54187
Title: Collaborative studies on the fauna of the Western Ghats-Sri Lanka biodiversity hotspot
Author: Suresh P Benjamin
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 100, No 3, 10 February 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: 54186
Title: A decision tree analysis for predicting the occurrence of the pest, Helicoverparmigera and its natural enemies on cotton based on economic threshold level
Author: M Pratheepa, K Meena, K R Subramaniam, R. Venugopalan and H Bheemanna
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 100, No 2, 25 January 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Chrysoperla carnea, cotton, decision tree, economic threshold level, Helicoverpa armigera
Abstract: The cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) is one of the most important pests affecting crop production globally. The data-mining technique, for predicting pest incidence using biotic and abiotic factors has been developed so far. To identify the biotic and abiotic factors that play a role in the occurrence of the pest, the decision tree analysis in conjunction with Shannon information measure was explored. The developed classification model has the ability to successfull treat ' categorical ' variables as well as ' continuous ' variables in the database. The information - theoretic classification method used in the present study was aimed at finding a minimal set of database attributes involved in the induced model and was successfull in predicting pest incidence. It was found that there was 8.82% misclassified testing data. The confusion matrix for the testing set revealed that the classification was done more accurately using the training set. The developed prediction or classification model will be helpful in forewarning about pest incidence and also to identify the factors influencing the pest population density. Using this model, agricultural farmers can apply pest control strategies on time to reduce crop loss.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None