ID: 53286
Title: Comparison between prediction capabilities of Neural network and Fuzzy logic techniques for L and slide susceptibility mapping
Author: Pradhan Biswajeet and Pirasteh Saied
Editor: Dr. Shankar Gargh
Year: 2010
Publisher: Disaster Advances, Vol 3(3), July 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Disaster Advances
Keywords: Neural network, fuzzy logic, data mining, L and slide, susceptibility, GIS, remote sensing, Malaysia
Abstract: Preparation of L and slide susceptibility maps is important for engineering geologists and geomorphologists. However, due to complex nature of L and slides, producing a reliable susceptibility map is not easy. In recent years, various data mining and soft computing techniques are getting popular for the prediction and classification of L and slide susceptibility and hazard mapping. This paper presents a comparative analysis of the prediction capabilities between the neural network and fuzzy logic model for L and slide susceptibility mapping in a geographic information system (GIS) environment. In the first stage, L and slide-related factors such as altitude, slope angle, slope aspect, distance to drainage, distance to road, lithology and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) were extracted from topographic and geology and soil maps. Secondly, L and slide locations were identified from the interpretation of aerial photographs, high resolution satellite imageries and extensive field surveys. Then L and slide-susceptibility maps were produced by the application of neural network and fuzzy logic approach using the aforementioned L and slide related factors. Finally, the results of the analyses were verified using the L and slide location data and compared with the neural network and fuzzy logic models. The validation results showed that the neural network model (accuracy is 88%) is better in prediction than fuzzy logic (accuracy is 84%) models. Results show that "gamma" operator (? = 0.9) showed the best accuracy (84%) while "or" operator showed the worst accuracy (66%).
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53285
Title: Support vector machine for evaluating seismic liquefaction potential using standard penetration test
Author: Samui Pijush
Editor: Dr. Shankar Gargh
Year: 2010
Publisher: Disaster Advances, Vol 3(3), July 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Disaster Advances
Keywords: Earthquake, Liquefaction, Standard Penetration Test, Support Vector Machine
Abstract: Liquefaction of sandy soils during earthquakes causes large amount of damage to buildings, highway embankments, retaining structures as well as other civil engineering structures. So the determination of liquefaction potential due to an earthquake is an imperative task in geotechnical earthquake engineering. This paper examines the potential of support vector machines for prediction of liquefaction based on standard penetration test (SPT) data from the 1999 Chi-Chi, Taiwan earthquake by developing two models. SVM achieves good generalization ability by adopting a structural risk minimization (SRM) induction principle that aims at minimizing a based on the generalization error of a model rather than minimizing the error on the training data only. In MODEL I, cyclic stress ration (CSR) vs SRT value (N) value is trained for prediction of liquefaction. In MODEL II, this is further simplified by relating normalized maximum horizontal acceleration (amax/g) vs N for prediction of liquefaction. Further, the generalization capability of the MODEL II has been examined by different case histories available globally. Equations have been also developed to determine the soil condition during an earthquake for MODEL I and MODEL II. The study indicates that SVM can successfully model the complex relationship between seismic parameters, soil parameters and the liquefaction potential.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53284
Title: Capacity building for disaster prevention in vulnerable regions of the world: Development of a Prototype global flood/landslide prediction system
Author: Hong Yang, Adler Robert F, Bach Dalia and Huffman George
Editor: Dr. Shankar Gargh
Year: 2010
Publisher: Disaster Advances, Vol 3(3), July 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Disaster Advances
Keywords: Flood, landslide, precipitation, TRMM, GPM and remote sensing
Abstract: With the availability of satellite rainfall analyses at fine time and space resolution, it is now possible to develop a global flood/landslide identification/prediction system for the most vulnerable regions by combining real-time satellite observations with a database of global terrestrial characteristics. This presentation describes a prototype research framework, Global Hazard System (GHS), recently developed by a NASA-OU research partner group. Key components of the GHS-Flood framework are: (a) a fine resolution precipitation acquisition system derived from multi-satellites: (b) a characterization of land surface including digital elevation from NASA SRTM (Shuttle Radar Terrain Mission), topography-derived hydrologic parameters such as flow direction, flow accumulation, basin and river network etc.: (c) a hydrological model to infiltrate rainfall and route overland runoff; and (d) an implementation interface to relay the input data to the models and display the flood inundation results to potential users and decision-makers. In terms of GHS-Landslide, the satellite rainfall information is combined with a global landslide susceptibility map derived from a combination of global surface characterisitcs (digital elevation topography, slope, soil types, soil texture and land cover classification etc.) using a weighted linear combination approch. In those areas identified as "susceptible" (based on the surface characteristics), landslides are forecast where and when a rainfall intensity/duration threshold is exceeded.
The GHS (trial version) has been running at near real-time in an effort to offer a practical cost-effective solution to the ultimate challenge of building natural disaster early warning systems for the data-sparse regions of the world (http://trmm.gsfc.nasa.gov).The interactive GHS website shows close-up maps of the flood/landslide risks overlaid on topography/population or integrated with the Google-Earth visualization tool. One additional capability, which extends forecast lead-time by assimilating the satellite rainfall into the Global Forecast System-QPF, also will be implemented in the future.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53283
Title: Evaluation of Seismic Hazard Parameters for Bangalore Region in South India
Author: Anbazhagan P, Vinod J.S. and Sitharam T.G
Editor: Dr. Shankar Gargh
Year: 2010
Publisher: Disaster Advances, Vol 3(3), July 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Disaster Advances
Keywords: Seismic Hazard parameters, seismicity, completeness, "b" value and recurrence rate
Abstract: In this paper, seismic hazard parameters are evaluated and presented for Bangalore region following the different methods such as Gutenberg-Richter (G-R) recurrence relation and maximum likelihood procedure and data sets. The seismic data have been collected from various sources for area covering a radius of 350 km around Bangalore. A complete analysis has been carried out using the method as proposed by Stepp. From the analysis it was found that the seismic data is homogenous for the last four decades irrespective of magnitude. The value of seismic hazard parameter "b" was estimated for complete data by using G-R relation. Completed data do not include the maximum reported magnitudes of 5 and above in this region. Hence b value has been evaluated by considering mixed data magnitude range of 3.5 to 6.2 and 4 to 6.2 using Gutenberg-Richter6 recurrence relation. In addition seismic hazard parameters such as, "b" of the magnitude-frequency relationship, R the mean return period and Mmax maximum regional magnitude is evaluated based on maximum likelihood procedure. It has been observed that the comparative analysis using complete and mixed data, gives comparable values. The "b" values presented in this paper are higher than the earlier reported values.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53282
Title: Physiological stress responses as biomarkers of sensitivity in Esomus danricus exposed to copper
Author: S.S.Vutukuru, Juveria, V. Himabindu and Y. Anjaneyulu
Editor: P.K. Wong, R.K. Trivedy, Sadhana Sharma
Year: 2009
Publisher: Global Science Publications, Vol 11, No 4, 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology & Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Physiological responses, Copper toxicity, Esomus danricus, Biomarkers
Abstract: Copper ions are quite toxic to fish when environmental concentrations are increased often resulting in physiological, histological (tissue), biochemical and enzymatic alterations in living organisms, particularly fish. The occurrence of these alterations has a great potential to serve as biomakers. Esomus danricus, which forms an important link in the aquatic food chain, was chosen as a model in the present study owing to its easy availability and maintenance, small size, easy to perform bioassays with little space and also due to lack of toxicological data for this species. Physiological responses (metabolic rate and ventilation frequency) of this fish were critically examined so that they can be employed as potential biomarkers for the rapid assessment of copper toxicity in freshwaters. Fish were exposed to different concentrations of copper sulphate and the 96h LC50 value was determined to be 5.5 mg/L. Later, fish groups were separately exposed to lethal (5.5 mg/L) and sub lethal concentrations (0.5 mg/L) of copper sulphate over a period of 96h to examine the subtle effects caused at physiological level. Experimental data showed that the lethal exposures of copper (5.5 mg/L) induced significant decrease in the metabolic rate (P<0.001) of the fish from that of control at the end of 24, 48, 72 and 96 h exposure periods while in sub lethal exposure (0.5 mg/L) this decrease is significant at the end of 72 and 96h. Significant increase in the ventilation frequency of fish exposed to 5.5 and 0.5 mg/L was also observed. However, this decreased as the concentration of the metal increased suggesting increased toxicity of the metal as well as the susceptibility of the fish. The metal proved to be a potential respiratory inhibitor.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53281
Title: Synergistic effect of five medicinal plants on glutathione peroxidase and reduced glutathione in asthmatic mice
Author: Kavita Shakya and N.P. Shukla
Editor: P.K. Wong, R.K. Trivedy, Sadhana Sharma
Year: 2009
Publisher: Global Science Publications, Vol 11, No 4, 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology & Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Polyherbal composition, Glutathione peroxidase, Reduced glutathione, Antiasthmatic
Abstract: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of five medicinal plant extracts and their synergism on the occurrence of oxidative stress in the liver of mice during asthma by measuring the status of the antioxidant defense system. The extracts were administered orally and their effect on glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and reduced glutathione (GSH) were estimated in egg albumin induced mice. Alpha tocopherol was used as standard reference drug. A significant increase in the activities of glutathione peroxidase and reduced glutathione was observed in liver on treatment with different concentrations of all the extract with the polyherbal composition showing the highest activity, as comparable to that of the standard. Since the study of induction of the antioxidant enzymes is considered to be a reliable marker for evaluating the antiasthmatic efficacy of the medicinal plant, these findings suggest a possible antiasthmatic role for all the plant extract.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53280
Title: Solid waste pollution in Srikakulam- A major hygienic problem - A survey
Author: K. Mythili
Editor: P.K. Wong, R.K. Trivedy, Sadhana Sharma
Year: 2009
Publisher: Global Science Publications, Vol 11, No 4, 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology & Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Waste generation, Organic waste, Hospital waste, Non biodegradable waste
Abstract: Srikakulam is a coastal town of AP, India. It is backward District on the basis of education, economic status. People are not aware of hygiene and they are accustomed to throw domestic wastes in public places and cause obstraction in daily life. Wastages of hospitals, left over food of hotels, broken bottles, bricks, stones, cement, papers cups, plastic glass, polythene covers, cigarette packs, Khaini packs, Tyres shoes etc., from part of solid waste thrown around through fares. We have studied the levels of solid waste pollution of an area for every 1.2 km. We selected 20 localities in the town and collected solid waste for one year i.e. from march 2007 to February 2008. We also concentrate on accumulation of solid waste during marriage functions. The study reveals that the town suffers with high percentage of solid waste and they are thrown on either side of the road and create nuisance to the pedestrains and also vehicle users. There is no underground drainage for srikakulam town. The sewage water flows in open canals. The solid waste thrown into the canals obstruct the flow of water. The waste are removed by the municipal staff and left along side of drainage canals. Defecation in public places is common site in srikakulam town, which creates un hygienic environment and spreads diseases like amoebiasis. 50% of the solid waste belongs to non-biodegradable category and directly effect the ecosystem, sewage management. The municipal authorities should collect solid wastes from various parts of the town and dump them in low lying areas far away from town. The solid wastes which are biodegradable can be used as compost. The wastes left in hospitals should be necessarily disposed off properly to ensure sanitation.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53279
Title: Anti-stress effect of alcoholic extracts of some ayurvedic plants in immobilized stressed charles foaster rats strains
Author: Alok Kumar Verma, Arti Upadhayaya, S.R.Pathak and Usha Singh
Editor: P.K. Wong, R.K. Trivedy, Sadhana Sharma
Year: 2009
Publisher: Global Science Publications, Vol 11, No 4, 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology & Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Immobilization Stress, IgG, IgM, IgA, Albino rats, 70% ethanolic plant extracts
Abstract: The present investigation is a comprehensive study of extract on pattern of serum immunoglobulins. Present study was undertaken to evaluate the immunomodulatory activity of 70% ethanolic extracts of Nympaea stellata (Nymphaeceae), Sida cardifolia (Malvaceae), Ipomea digitata (Convolvulaceae) and Hippophae rhamnoides (Elaegnaceae) on humoral response in chales foaster rats strain against immobilization stress induced immune suppression.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53278
Title: Antibacterial activity of different plant extracts on Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Author: V. Amsaveni and S.S.Sudha
Editor: P.K. Wong, R.K. Trivedy, Sadhana Sharma
Year: 2009
Publisher: Global Science Publications, Vol 11, No 4, 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology & Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Medicinal plants, Antibacterial activity, Well diffusion method, Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Abstract: A preliminary screening of ten different medicinal plants for antibacterial activity was carried out. Most of these plants are mentioned in the traditional systems of medicine as sources of aseptic agents. Crude, ethanol and acetone extracts of all the plants were tested for their antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa by well diffusion method. Maximum antibacterial activity was found in ethanolic extracts, followed by acetone and crude extracts of all the plants tested.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53277
Title: Immunosupressive effect of sevin on the humoral immune response to protein and cellular antigens in Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters)
Author: E. Joy Sharmila and S.K.Dwarakanath
Editor: P.K. Wong, R.K. Trivedy, Sadhana Sharma
Year: 2009
Publisher: Global Science Publications, Vol 11, No 4, 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology & Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Immunosupression, pesticide residues, cellular antigens, soluble antigens, fish
Abstract: The indiscriminate use of chemicals has caused concern about the toxic effects of the residues on non-target organisms. The carbamate pesticide which contains carabaryl, is widely used against sucking pests. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of different concentrations of Sevin, a pesticide that contains carbamate, on the humoral immune response to three antigens S-BSA (Soluble Bovine Serum Albumin), HA-BSA (Heat Aggregated Bovine Serum Albumin) and SRBC (Sheep Blood Cells). The antibody response was studied by passive haemagglutination assay. The fish after challenged with the antigens showed decrease in antibody response to Sevin at all doses. The degree of supression showed a positive correlation to the concentrations of the pesticide and dose dependent immunosuppression was noticed.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53276
Title: Screening of fungus in anti-microbial herb Tecoma stans (L) Kunth Ex HBK-A microbiological evaluation
Author: C.S. Senthilkumar, M.Sureshkumar, E.G.Wesley and M.Rajasekara Pandian
Editor: P.K. Wong, R.K. Trivedy, Sadhana Sharma
Year: 2009
Publisher: Global Science Publications, Vol 11, No 4, 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology & Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Fungal isolates, Microscopic evaluation, Medicinal plant, Tecoma stans
Abstract: Various plant fungus were isolated from Tecoma stans (L) Kunth Ex HBK in four distinct fungal medium enabling us to evaluate the diversity of pathogens in the valuable medicinal herb. Infected leaf scrapings cultured in different fungal media and Lacto phenol cotton blue staining influenced the study of pathogens under the microscope.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53275
Title: Study on the effect of drugs on Caenorhabditis elegans
Author: Surjo Prabha Paul and Seeba Manoj
Editor: P.K. Wong, R.K. Trivedy, Sadhana Sharma
Year: 2009
Publisher: Global Science Publications, Vol 11, No 4, 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology & Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Toxicity testing, Drugs, C. elegans
Abstract: There is an increasing concern about toxicity of wide range of drugs used for treating disease therefore, a rapid method to determien the effect of these toxic chemicals are warranted. In the present study the toxicity of six drugs were evaluated on model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. The mortality of the nematodes after treatment was adopted as the endpoint for toxicity testing. The LC50 data was calculated and dose responsive curves were obtained. The study revealed that the toxicity was in order of Rivastigimine>Citrizine>Omez>Atenolol>Sodium Valproate>Ampicillin. The LC50 values were then compared with published data of LD50 of rats and mice using Spearman Rank correlation method. The data obtained showed a high positive correlation of toxicity of drugs in C.elegans with rats and mice and hence we demonstrate C.elegans as a suitable model organism for toxicity testing.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53274
Title: Studies on Allelopathic potentiality of paddy weeds in Iran
Author: Ebrahim Gholamlipour Alamdari and S.S.Deokule
Editor: P.K. Wong, R.K. Trivedy, Sadhana Sharma
Year: 2009
Publisher: Global Science Publications, Vol 11, No 4, 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology & Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Allelopathic effect, Paddy weed species, Whole plant leachates, Seed germination, Seedling growth and Organic constitute
Abstract: The allelopathic effects of whole aqueous plant leachates of four selected weed species viz. Cyperus difformis, Echinochloa crusgalli, Paspalum paspaloides and Sagittaria trifolia on radicle and hypocotyl length of seedling as well as seed germination of paddy varieties like Tarom, Neda and Fajer were studied at 2007 in Iran. Results showed that whole plant leachates of selected weeds except Cyperus difformis significantly decreased both radicle and hypocotyl length of paddy seedling of Tarom variety. It was also recorded that whole plant leachates of Sagittaria trifolia decreased seed germination of Tarom variety at 50% over control (93.33%) only. Laboratory bioassay also indicated that seed germination as well as radicle and hypocotyl length of paddy seedling of Neda variety was significantly hampered by whole plant leachates of Sagittaria trifolia and Paspalum paspaloides only. The effect of whole plant leachates of Cyperus difforms stimulated hypocotyl length of Fajer variety while radicle length of mentioned test variety was not significantly affected by whole plant leachates of above weed. It indicates that whole plant leachate of Cyperus difformis has some active allelochemicals which stimulated hypocotyl length of paddy seedling. In general, seedling growth of test crop significantly was hampered by whole plant leachates of Sagittaria trifolia at (5.96 cm) over control (9.25 cm) only. It was also recorded that whole plant leachates of Sagittaria trifolia as well as Paspalum paspaloides had maximum inhibitory effect on seed germination of test crop as compared with other weeds. However, seed germination as well as radicle and hypocotyl length of Tarom and Neda varieties was much sensitive to allelopathic inhibition of whole plant leachates of Sagittaria trifolia in great extent as compared with Fajer variety. Comparison of mean of organic constitute in selected weeds showed that Sagittaria trifolia and Echinochloa crusgalli had high quantities of phenols and starch respectively. The estimation of proteins revealed that all selected weeds except Paspalum paspaloides had similar quantity of proteins.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53273
Title: Specific activity and molecular characterization of protease of both wild and mutant strains of Bacillus subtilis
Author: J. Kasthuri and K. Dhanalakshmi
Editor: P.K. Wong, R.K. Trivedy, Sadhana Sharma
Year: 2009
Publisher: Global Science Publications, Vol 11, No 4, 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology & Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Protease, Bacillus subtilis, Mutant strain, Specific activity, Molecular characterization
Abstract: The Bacillus subtilis isolated from the soil samples was grown in LB broth. The enzyme protease was recovered and assayed for its protein content and specific activity at various levels of purification. Of which, the ion exchange chromatographic sample seemed to be a highly purified form when compared to the other two samples. On further experimentation it showed an optimal activity at 650C and pH 7. Further, Ca++, Mg++ and EDTA seemed to activate the specific activity of protease at optimized temperature and pH; whereas HgCl2 and FeCl2 showed inhibitory effect. The strain was then improved by UV exposure and the one exposed to 15 min showed the highest activity (0.186 U/mL). Besides, the protease of both wild and mutant strains revealed the molecular weight 28,000 and 38,000 D respectively. Thus the mutant strain seemed to be the superior.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53272
Title: In vitro studies of anthelmintic activity of Lagenaria siceraria
Author: S.L.Deore, S.S.Khadabadi, K.P.Chittam, B.A.Baviskar, N.D.Matke, A.R.Todkar, M.S.Kubade and K.V.Moon
Editor: P.K. Wong, R.K. Trivedy, Sadhana Sharma
Year: 2009
Publisher: Global Science Publications, Vol 11, No 4, 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology & Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Anthelmintic activity, Ascardia galli, Lagenaria siceraria, Pheretima posthuma
Abstract: Ethanol and aqueous extracts from the fruits of L.siceraria were investigated for their anthelmintic activity against Pheretima posthuma and Ascardia galli. Various concentrations (25, 50, 100 mg/mL) of aqueous and ethanolic extracts were tested in the bioassay, which involved determination of time of paralysis and time of death of the worms. Both the extracts exhibited significant anthelmintic activity at highest concentration of 100 mg/mL. Piperazine citrate was included as standard reference and distilled water as control.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None