ID: 53988
Title: Elevated sea surface temperature during May 2010 induces mass bleaching of corals in the Andaman
Author: P. Krihnan, S. Dam Roy, Grinson George, R. C. Srivastava, A. Anand, S. Murugesan, M. Kaliyamoorthy, N. Vikas and R. Soundararajan
Editor: P. Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 100, No 1, 10 January 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Bleaching, climate change, coral reefs, sea surface temperature
Abstract: Increasing sea surface temperature (SST) and its consequences on marine ecosystems are widely discussed. Andaman Sea witnessed a few bleaching events during 1998, 2002 and 2005. The present study was taken up to assess the extent of bleaching during 2010 in selected reef sites in the Andaman through line intercept transect survey. It was found that the fully bleached corals as a percentage of total coral cover were maximum at Havelock Island (69.49), followed by South Button Island (67.28), Nicolson Island (56.45), Red Skin Island (43.39), North Bay (41.65) and Chidiyatapu (36.54). Branching corals were the worst affected, whereas the massive corals were found to have relatively withstood the elevated SST. The status of reefs and the variability in bleaching with the progression of SST with respect to different coral species are discussed.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None


ID: 53987
Title: Regional geological studies over parts of Deccan Syneclise using remote sensing and geophysical data for understanding hydrocarbon prospects
Author: P. Chandrasekhar, Tapas R. Martha, N. Venkateswarlu, S.K.Subramanian and M.V.V.Kamaraju
Editor: P. Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 100, No 1, 10 January 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Deccan Syneclise, geophysical data, hydro carbon prospects, remote sensing
Abstract: An integrated study using remote sensing and multi geophysical data was carried out over parts of Deccan Syneclise, for eliminating the inherent ambiguities associated with each of the individual methods, and to understand the hydrocarbon prospects. The subsurface sections constructed using geophysical data such as gravity, electrical resistivity, deep resistivity sounding, magnetotellurics and seismics along various profiles were interpreted for identification of subsurface faults along with their stratigraphic association. The locations of these faults were projected vertically upwards onto the ground surface and marked as point locations on the map in order to facilitate conjunctive study with satellite data interpretation by superimposing one over the other. Additionally, some more regional faults were interpreted from gravity data and superimposed over the above. A prominent geomorphic anomaly was also interpreted from satellite data and correlated with geophysical signatures. Based on the integrated study, some of the faults were identified as structural traps for possible hydrocarbon occurrences.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None


ID: 53986
Title: Food preference and interspecific interactions in fungus-growing termite assemblage in a West African savanna
Author: Parthiba Basu
Editor: P. Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 100, No 1, 10 January 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Baits, interspecific interaction, fungus-growing termites, food consumption
Abstract: An experiment was conducted to study food preference and interspecific interactions in a fungus-growing termite community at the Lamto Savanna Ecological Station in Ivory Coast. Food consumption of four termite species (Macrotermes bellicosus, Ancistrotermes cavithorax, Microtermes toumodiensis and Odontotermes aff. pauperans) was compared at baits of different sizes, belonging to the two most abundant tree species in this savanna, viz. Crossopteryx febrifuga and Piliostigma thonningii. All species preferred larger wood pieces. A. cavithorax was the most active forager on baits. Foraging activity of the mound builder, M.bellicosus was clearly influenced by the foraging patterns of the two underground fungus-growing species. A. cavithorax and O. aff. pauperans, thereby questioning the competitive ability of M. bellicosus, as against the activities of its competitors. M. bellicosus seems to be at the bottom of a possible competition hierarchy with regard to food niche. This imbalance in favour of underground species could have been increased by the fire regime in Lamto savanna, artificially occurring each year in the middle of the dry season and minimizing the abundance of large wood items, most preferred by Macrotermes.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None


ID: 53985
Title: Intra-seasonal variation and relationship among leaf traits of different forest herbs in a dry tropical environment
Author: Prajjwal Dubey, A.S.Raghubanshi and J.S.Singh
Editor: P. Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 100, No 1, 10 January 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Forest herbs, life forms, photosynthetic rate, specific leaf area, stomatal conductance
Abstract: A range of leaf traits was measured for 17 herbaceous species fortnightly from July to September for two years in a dry tropical forest. These species belonged to four life forms: annual grasses, perennial grasses, annual forbs and perennial forbs. The objectives of this study were: (i) to assess the effect of herb types on leaf traits in tropical dry deciduous forest of the Vindhyan high-lands; (ii) to measure the growing season variation in the traits, and (iii) to investigate the relationships between the leaf traits. Four sites, viz. Hathinala, Ranitalli, Bokrakhari and Neuriuadamar were selected in the region. At each site, five quadrats, each 1m x 1m in size, were sampled randomly for herbaceous plants at 15-day interval in the wet season from July to September during 2006 and 2007. At each site soil samples and leaf samples were collected and analysed. Specific leaf area (SLA), leaf nitrogen (N), leaf phosphorus (P), leaf chlorophyll content, stomatal conductance (Gs) and photosynthetic rate (Amass) were determined. The seasonal pattern in leaf traits, in general, was an early season peak in SLA, leaf nitrogen and leaf phosphorus, and a midseason peak in Gs and Amass. Annual forbs generally exhibited highest leaf trait values and the perennial grasses the lowest. Pearson correlation coefficients indicated significant positive relationship of SLA with all other leaf traits, between leaf N and leaf P and among chlorophyll, Gs and Amass. The decline in leaf nitrogen and leaf phosphorus during the growing season occurred due to the retranslocation of these elements from the leaves into the storage or reproductive organs. The peaks in Gs and Amass were associated with increase in soil moisture.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None


ID: 53984
Title: Long-term data on coastal pollution and dissemination to academic and research communities
Author: B.R. Subramanian
Editor: P. Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 100, No 1, 10 January 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Database, marine pollution, monitoring programme, prediction
Abstract: This article provides details on a marine pollution monitoring programme, namely Coastal Ocean Monitoring and Prediction System with a long-term database being operated by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India. This programme has been operational since 1991. Under the programme, data on 25 pollution-related parameters are being collected at about 83 locations with the involvement of leading research institutions and universities in the country. The data collected have been evaluated and organized in the form of a database. The data facilitate analysis of trends of chemical and biological parameters and reveals effectiveness of pollution control measures initiated by the concerned authorities.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None


ID: 53983
Title: Beyond family and societal attitudes to retain women in science
Author: Anitha Kurup and R. Maithreyi
Editor: P. Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 100, No 1, 10 January 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Organizational factors, perception, retention, societal attitudes, women scientists
Abstract: Several reports earlier have focused on providing facilities for women scientists based on the premise that family and societal factors are responsible for women dropping out of science. The views of male scientists who constitute the majority in science reflect these popularly held notions. However, the present study points towards systemic biases that operate at the organizational level as a significant contributing factor. The study sample represents the diversity among women scientist and includes men scientists, emphasizing the need for policies to take into consideration the differences across these groups.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None


ID: 53982
Title: Sustainable cities
Author: Geethanjali Monto and Richa Malhotra
Editor: P. Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 100, No 1, 10 January 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: 53981
Title: Studies on the plans of Ethno-medicinal importance from Radhanagari Taluka of Kolhapur district, Maharashtra
Author: S.A.Apate, M.P. Bachulkar-Cholekar and Rajendra Suryavanshi
Editor: Prof K.P.Sharma
Year: 2010
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 9, No 4, December 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment and Pollution Technology
Keywords: Medicinal plants, Radhanagari taluka, Ailments and diseases
Abstract: Radhanagari taluka from Kolhapur district of Maharashtra is situated in the Western Ghats region and covered with semi-evergreen forests. The hilly areas from the taluka do not have sufficient medicinal facilities, hence the rural population is dependent on various plants to cure different ailments and diseases. The rural and tribal populations from the taluka have the knowledge of various medicinal plants, and use different plants and their parts for the treatment of various disorders like skin diseases, diarrhoea, gynaecological disorders, etc. The present paper deals with the studies regarding forty plant species from the taluka with potential medicinal importance.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None


ID: 53980
Title: Comparative study on the effect of phytotoxins from Acacia sinuata (Merr.) on haematological parameters of some freshwater fishes
Author: R. G. Patil and S. G. Nanaware
Editor: Prof K.P.Sharma
Year: 2010
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 9, No 4, December 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment and Pollution Technology
Keywords: Acacia sinuata, Phytotoxin, Freshwater fishes, Haematology
Abstract: The plant Acacia sinuata (Merr.) shows piscicidal properties. The economicaly important freshwater fishes (Labeo rohita, Catla catla and Cyprinus carpio) were exposed to sublethal concentration (75 ppm) of alcoholic extract of the leaves of Acacia sinuata for 96 hrs. The toxic compounds in the leaves of Acacia sinuata showed piscicidal properties and induced haemolysis and affected almost all haematological parameters. All the parameters in blood except E.S.R were found to be decreased in all the fishes, while E.S.R. was increased after 96 hrs of intoxication. Comparatively, haemolytic activity was lowest in C. catla, and highest in L. rohita. The results have bene discussed in relation to mortality, metabolic activity and behaviour of these fishes.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None


ID: 53979
Title: Potential of rainwater harvesting in Himachal Pradesh
Author: Hari Pal Singh, M.R. Sharma, Quamural Hassan, Naved Ahsan
Editor: Prof K.P.Sharma
Year: 2010
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 9, No 4, December 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment and Pollution Technology
Keywords: Rainwater harvesting, Water resources, Himachal Pradesh
Abstract: World-wide pressure on water resources is increasing due to population growth, groundwater mining and climate change. Domestic and agricultural water usage is a significant component of water demand. Himachal Pradesh is experiencing drought like situations since last decade. The intensity of drought is increasing year after year for the past six years. The state is facing serious water shortage problem during the summers. The rainwater harvesting can be implemented as a viable alternative to conventional water supply or on-farm irrigation projects. The water can be stored either in a storage tank or in a soil media as groundwater. The rainwater can be harvested using eco-friendly low cost technologies such as UV-resistant plastic lined ponds, ferro-cement tanks, RCC tanks, etc. and used for multiple purposes. An attempt has been to highlights the various rain water harvesting methods that can be used effectively to augment the water supply position in Himachal Pradesh. There is need to change some existing policies relating to water management to tackle the water shortage during scarcity.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None


ID: 53978
Title: Effects of CO2 exhaled and human metabolism on comfort conditions in air-conditioned indoor environment
Author: P. Thirumal, S. Balasubramanian, N. Shenbaga Vinayaga Moorthi
Editor: Prof K.P.Sharma
Year: 2010
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 9, No 4, December 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment and Pollution Technology
Keywords: Comfort conditions, CO2 exhaled, Indoor environment, Human metabolism
Abstract: Thermal and atmospheric conditions in an enclosed space are usually controlled to ensure the health and comfort of the occupants, and proper functioning of sensitive electronic equipment such as computers, etc. The former is referred as comfort conditioning and the latter is called process air conditioning. The conditions required for optimum operation of machinery may not coincide with those ocnductive to human comfort. Process air-conditioning requirements are highly specific to the equipment or operation. Once the necessary condition for process or machinery is established, attention must be paid to the acceptable human comfort. Although human beings can be considered very versatile machines having the capacity to adapt the wide variations in the working environment, their productivity depends on the immediate environment. This paper discusses about the CO2 generation of the human beings based on their working environment, activity, metabolism and its effects inside the indoor environment. The indoor pollutants created by the human beings and the rate of ventilation required to dilute the pollutant levels to meet ASHRAE standards is also discussed.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None


ID: 53977
Title: Isolation, identification and characterization of Campylobacter spp. isolates from environmental samples in North Iran
Author: M. Ghane, N. Bahador and M. Baserisalehi
Editor: Prof K.P.Sharma
Year: 2010
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 9, No 4, December 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment and Pollution Technology
Keywords: Campylobacter, Environmental samples, North Iran, 16S rRNA gene sequencing
Abstract: The major purpose of this study was isolation, identification and characterization of Campylobacter spp. from environmental samples viz., domestic animals (cow, sheep, horses), poultry, sewage and river water in north Iran. Campylobacter spp. were isolated using pret-KB method and then identified by phenotyping tests. Finally, the identification of strain was verified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. In general, 64 strains of campylobacters were isolated from all the sources. Out of all isolates 48 strains were catalase positive and 16 strains were catalase negative. The highest isolation rate of Campylobacter spp. was recorded from river water (36.92%) followed by poultry (34.88%), cow (28.57%), horses (20%) and sheep (9%), while lowest isolation rate was recorded from sewage (7.4%). Overall, according to these data Campylobacter spp. exist with high frequency in north Iran. In addition, this bacterium was isolated from all sources (river water, sewage, domestic animals and poultry. Hence, based on foregoing evidence environments in north of Iran are vehicles of campylobacter spp. and , therefore, the people who live in this area must respect to the personal hygiene in order to avoid from campylobacter infection.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None


ID: 53976
Title: Limnological study of Jadhav Sagar lake, Shivpuri Town, Madhya Pradesh, India
Author: Anand Kumar Mishra, Mohit Arya and R. Mathur
Editor: Prof K.P.Sharma
Year: 2010
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 9, No 4, December 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment and Pollution Technology
Keywords: Jadhav Sagar lake, Water quality, Pollution, Physico-chemical characteristics
Abstract: Due to rapid increase in population, industrialization and agricultural practices most of the natural water resources get polluted. Disposal of untreated or partially treated industries effluents and sewage into surface waters is one of the major environmental problems. The study was carried out on Jadhav Sagar lake in Shivpuri town for a period of April 2006 to March 2007. Jadhav Sagar lake is one of the oldest water bodies which is situated in central part of the Shivpuri town. In the past, it represented the source of drinking water and fish culture. In recent times it has changed considerably due to human interference in the form of encroachment and development of residential areas, and dumping of waste and sewage. The results showed that the Jadhav Sagar lake is polluted and the water cannot be used for human needs and fish culture. The water quality of lake is deteriorating rapidly due to intense human activities and influx of pollutants from surrounding.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None


ID: 53975
Title: Modulating effects of Curcumin on chromium induced chromosomal aberrations in somatic cells of mice
Author: M. Moshe Raju and K. Rudrama Devi
Editor: Prof K.P.Sharma
Year: 2010
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 9, No 4, December 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment and Pollution Technology
Keywords: Curcuma longa, Curcumin, Chromium, Chromosomal aberrations
Abstract: The protective effects of curcumin in chromium induced cytotoxicity was evaluated in in vivo animal model using analysis of chromosomal aberrations in somatic cells of mice. Three doses of curcumin were selected for modulation and given to animals after priming with chromium. The animals ware sacrificed 48 hr after the treatement and slides were prepared. A significant decrease was observed in the percentage of chromosomal aberrations when animals were primed with curcumin. The present results clearly indicate the protective nature of curcumin against heavy metals genotoxicity.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None


ID: 53974
Title: Response of Ipomoea carnea Jacq. to the organic matter and water content of soils
Author: Satish A Bhalerao
Editor: Prof K.P.Sharma
Year: 2010
Publisher: Technoscience Publications, Vol 9, No 4, December 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Nature Environment and Pollution Technology
Keywords: Ipomoea carnea, Soil metabolism, Water content, Organic matter
Abstract: Ipomoea carnea, Jacq. is an exotic weed distributed in tropical countries of Asia and America. In India it is a common weed in field and has probably got introduced along with cultivation. The species is recognized well all over India, particularly along the bunds of agricultural fields. It is a localized weed and wherever it grows it dominates over the associate species. A general survey of vegetation showed that this species formed pure or mixed stands in practically all types of habitats common in an urban environment, revealing its wide ecological amplitude. The plant species, though of common distribution in countryside, shows luxuriant growth within the city, especially near slums or hutment, where deposition of undecomposed organic matter and domestic waste are rampant. Likewise, luxuriant plant growth is also observed on toxic waste, water logged ground and sometimes, even on dry soils. Its gregarious and cosmopolitan distribution reflects on its inherent ability to either circumvent or overcome the adversity itself. It appears, therefore, that urbanization has been a spent force in so far as Ipomoea carnea is concerned. The organic matter in soils originates from green plants, animals and microorganisms. The nature of organic matter is governed by inputs and soil metabolism. Chemically, the soil organic matter is a potenial source of N, P and S for plant growth and it aids in rendering available soil Ca, Mg, Fe and P. Humic colloidal substances function for base-exchange capacity of soil. Organic matter also functions as a source of CO2 for the higher plants. Water content of soil exerts a profound effect upon the form and structure of a plant. It is well known that compaction of soil can greatly restrict root proliferation particularly when the soils is low in water content. The yield of plant may also be affected by deficiency of water, even though the soil is not allowed to dry to permanent wilting point. Water stress also affects leaf area through hastening the senescence. Present paper deals with response of Ipomoea carnea to different levels of organic matter and watr contents of soils.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None