ID: 53182
Title: Energy Portfolios
Author: None
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 98, No 8, 25 April 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: None
Abstract: None
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53181
Title: A ground-dwelling rhacophorid frog from the highest mountain peak of the Western Ghats of India
Author: S.D.Biju, Yogesh Shouche, Alain Dubois, S.K.Dutta and Franky Bossuyt
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 98, No 8, 25 April 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: endotrophic development, macroglands, mitochondrial phylogeny, Raorchestes gen. nov., Raorchestes resplendens sp. nov., Western Ghats
Abstract: A new rhacophorid frog is described from Eravikulam National Park in the Western Ghats of India. The species is morphologically dissimilar from any known member of this family in having a bright orange to reddish colouration, multiple macroglands on the body and extremely short limbs. Phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial genes indicate that this new frog is nested in a radiation of shrubfrogs that had its origin on the Indian subcontinent, and which is here recognized as a distinct genus, Raorchestes gen. nov. The new species, Raorchestes resplendens sp. nov. is likely restricted to less than 3 sq. km on the summit of Anamudi, and deserves immediate conservation priority.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53180
Title: Geo-archeology at Khajnawar in Western Uttar Pradesh plain
Author: V.C.Thakur, A.K.Pandey, C.M. Nautiyal, Y.P.Sundriyal, B.M.Khanduri, D.P.Shinde, N.Suresh and A.K.Singhvi
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 98, No 8, 25 April 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Active tectonics, grey and painted red ware, historical earthquake, Piedmont Fault
Abstract: Khajnawar village in Saharanpur district of western Uttar Pradesh is inhabited over the remains of an ancient archaeological settlement. Field observations and archaeological investigation reveal two periods of settlement: settlement I with grey ware and iron objects and settlement II with painted red ware. Radiocarbon and optical stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating indicate 2600a-1400a age for settlement I and 850a -350a for settlement II. A hiatus of ~550a between the two settlements may have been caused either by an earthquake or climate change. A south-facing and NW-SE trending scarp on the southern end of the Khajnawar has been interpreted as a tectonic scarp that is a continuation of the Piedmont Fault with right-step. The scrap should have formed due to an earlier earthquake that may have caused the hiatus. Climate change can be another possibility for the hiatus, because periods of settlement and occupation seem to coincide with drier and wetter conditions recorded in the subcontinent. Collapsed and tilted walls with brick rubble and infilling by sands in teh settlement II layers was probably caused by a later earthquake post-dating 350a (OSL age), suggesting that this most likely corresponds to the large Mw>7 1803 earthquake of Garhwal Himalaya.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53179
Title: Abundance and coiling direction in planktic species Neogloboquadrina pachyderma (Ehrenberg) as indicators of hydrological conditions: evidence from N-S transect of Indian Ocean
Author: N. Khare, A. Mazumder and P. Govil
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 98, No 8, 25 April 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Coiling direction, Indian Ocean, Neogloboquadrina pachyderma, seawater temperature and salinity
Abstract: A total of 25 surface sediment samples collected along a North-South tansect (from 9.690N to 800E and 55.010S to 400E) in south western Indian Ocean have been used to study recent planktic foraminifera revealing the ecological preferences of the planktic foraminifer species in the area, particularly teh coiling direction patterns in the planktic species Neogloboquadrina pachyderma (Ehrenberg). The coiling direction and their absolute abundance can be shown to be related to ambient temperature and salinity values. Dextrally coiled forms decrease towards higher latitude, while sinistrally coiled forms increase. Similar studies should be undertaken along various transects to further establish the extent of environmental control on coiling direction in planktic foraminifera.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53178
Title: Viscosity-enhanced bio-mixing of the oceans
Author: Ganesh Subramanian
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 98, No 8, 25 April 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Darwinian drift, force-dipole, ocean mixing, viscosity, zooplankton
Abstract: We discuss the speculated role of swimming organisms in mixing up the ocean waters-the so-called biogenic mixing contribution. In particular, the focus is on a recent proposal of large-scale ocean mixing via a Darwinian-drift mechanism. The suggested mechanism seemingly allows for the smallest aquatic organisms, primarily the zooplankton, to generate motion on length scales large enough for efficient mixing to occur even in a stably stratified system such as the abyssal ocean. This is because, rather counter-intuitively, the importance of the drift mechanism appears to increase with increasing viscosity, thereby favouring the smaller aquatic organisms in whose case the induced fluid motion is strongly influenced by viscosity. The proposal lends significant credence to the importance of a biogenic mixing contribution since the aquatic biomass is dominated by the small species. However, a careful examination shows that the importance of the drift -induced mixing mechanism is greatly over estimated. The error lies in equating the motion generated by a passive particle to that induced by an aquatic swimmer; the effects of any drift-induced mixing being far more modest in the latter case. The inevitable conclusion is then that a viscosity-enhanced biogenic mixing mechanism is a rather unlikely candidate in contributing to oceanic mixing on a global scale.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53177
Title: Phenotypic diversity of sickle cell disorders with special emphasis on public health genetics in India
Author: R.S.Balgir
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 98, No 8, 25 April 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Genetic diversity, sickle cell phenotypes, sickle cell trait, sickle cell- ?++-thalassemia, sickle cell-?++-thalassemia
Abstract: Human genetic diversity poses a great challenge to community health care in India. Haemoglobin disorders constitute the most common genetic and public health burden on vulnerable people. Prospective studies which are lacking in India present valuable community health and morbidity information for analysis with respect to introspection and evaluation. The present study is designed to fill up this lacuna in presenting community health and morbidity pattern of encountered different sickle cell phenotypes in India. 137 suspected cases of sickle cell disorders referred to our centre for laboratory investigations were analysed using an automated blood cell counter, alkaline electrophoresis and haemoglobin variant analyser. From a community perspective, transfusion dependent sickle cell disease and sickle cell-?-thalassemia were found prevalent in India. Statistically significant differences in haematological indices were observed between sickle cell trait and sickle cell disease, sickle cell -?++-thalassemia, and sickle cell -?+thalassemia; between sickle cell disease and sickle cell- ?++-thalassemia and sickle cell-?++-thalassemia; and between sickle cell-?++thalassemia and sickle cell-?+-thalassemia with variable symptomatology and clinical manifestations. Genetic heterogeneity of sickle cell-?-thalassemia was noticed in India. Both mild (African) and severe (Mediterranean) forms of sickle cell -?-thalassemia (i.e. ?++-thalassemia and ?+-thalassemia or ?0-thalassemia) were encountered suggesting gene flow from the East Mediaterranean, Asian Gulf, sub-Sahara and East Africa, reflecting historical events and gene migrations in the region having implications in community health and public health genetics in India.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53176
Title: Development of high strength iron-phsophorus based P/M alloys
Author: Shefali Trivedi, Yashwant Mehta, P.S.Mishra and k. Chandra
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 98, No 8, 25 April 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Fe-P alloys, metallurgical process, P/M alloys, phosphorus
Abstract: Mechanical tests were conducted on iron-phsophorus powder alloys which were made using a hot powder forging technique. The technique involved hot forging of mild steel encapsulated powders. After forging the powders into slabs, the slabs were hot rolled and annealed to relieve the residual stresses. The alloys were studied in terms of microstructure, porosity content/densification, hardness and tensile properties. The porosity content was as low as 1.44% in one of the alloys. Microstructures of these alloys consist of single phase ferrite only. The alloys, i.e., Fe-0.35P-2Cu-2Ni-1Si-0.5Mo and Fe-0.35P-2Cu-2Ni-1Si-0.5Mo-0.15C showed high strength. In the present study, it was observed that the alloying additions, such as Si, Mo, Nia and C to Fe-P based alloys caused an increase in strength along with reduction in ductility. Cu was added to reduce porosity of Fe-P alloys. Alloys developed in the present study were capable of being hot worked to very thin gauge of sheets and wires.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53175
Title: Mahanadi streamflow: climate change impact assessment and adaptive strategies
Author: Subimal Ghosh, Deepashree Raje and P.P. Mujumdar
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 98, No 8, 25 April 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Adaptation, climate change, hydrologic impact, uncertainty
Abstract: Impacts of climate change on hydrology are assessed by downscaling large scale general circulation model (GCM) outputs of climate variables to local scale hydrologic variables. This modelling approach is characterized by uncertainties resulting from the use of different models, different scenarios, etc. Modelling uncertainty in climate change impact assessment includes assigning weights to GCMs and scenarios, based on their performances, and providing weighted mean projection for the future. This projection is futher used for water resources planning and adaptation to combat the adverse impacts of climate change. The present article summarizes the recent published work of the authors on uncertainty modelling and development of adaptation strategies to climate change for the Mahanadi river in India.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53174
Title: Climate change and water resources: evidence and estimate in China
Author: Dajun Shen
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 98, No 8, 25 April 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: China, climate change, evidence and estimate, water resources
Abstract: Climate change impact on water resources is uncertain. This article reviews water resources changes during the past 50 years in China, as well as the modelled results under different scenarios, to figure out a basic framework on the relationship between climate change, water resources and water resources management. China is a rapidly developing country with a large land area and diverse landscape and climate. Due to limited water resources. China is facing water shortage. Studies have shown that climate change has a significant impact on China, especially in north, which faces severe water shortage. The model also shows that in the next 50-100 years an average increase in precipitation is not likely to alleviate water shortage in North China. This is a challenge for water resources management in China. Therefore, all aspects of water resources management, including infrastructure development and non-structural instruments, water saving and new water sources development, etc. should be strengthened to solve the current water problems and prepare to adapt to future changes.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53173
Title: Climate evolution and possible effects on surface watre resources of North Algeria
Author: Laborde Jean-Pierre, Gourbesville Philippe, Assaba Mohamed, Demmak Abdelmatif and Belhouli Larbi
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 98, No 8, 25 April 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Algeria, climatic change, rainfall-runoff modelling, water resources
Abstract: North-east Algeria benefits from a Mediterranean and semi-arid climate. The surface wate resource is a factor restricting the economic development of the country. Within the framework of the National Water Plan, we studied the quantity of water that can be mobilized on several dozens of dam sites. A first hypothesis would be to base the simulations on the rainfall recorded during the last 40 years which were relatively dry. A second hypthesis would consist of assuming a reduction of about 15% in rainfall as the work of IPCC would suggest. This 15% reduction would in turn generate a reduction of approximately 40% of surface water resources. Such a decrease would thus drive a rather profound review in teh programming of the works regarding the storage and transfer of water.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53172
Title: A new methodology for the assessment of climate change impacts on a watershed scale
Author: Slobodan P. Simonovic
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 98, No 8, 25 April 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Climate change, global circulation models, impact assessment, watershed, water resources
Abstract: Many climate change impact studies have been conducted using a top-down approach. First, outputs from global circulation models (GCMs) are considered which are downscaled in a second step to the river basin scale using either a statistical/empirical or a dynamic approach. The local climatic signal that is obtained is then used as input into a hydrological model to assess the direct consequences in the basin. Problems related to this approach include: a high degree of uncertainty associated with GCM outputs and an increase in uncertainty due to the downscaling approach. An inverse approach is proposed in this article to improve the understanding of the processes leading to hydrological hazards including both flood and drought events. The approach analyses of existing guidelines and management practices in a river basin wit respect to critical hydrological exposures that may lead to failure of the water resources system or parts thereof. Critical hydrologic exposures (flood levels for example) are then transformed into corresponding critical meteorological conditions (extreme precipitation events for example). These local weather scenarios are the statistically linked to possible large-scale climate conditins that are available from the GCMs. The proposed procedure allows for the assessment of the vulnerability of river basins with respect to climate forcing. It also provides a tool for identifying the spatial distribution of the vulnerability and risk.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53171
Title: Climate change impacts on water resources-studies in Japan
Author: Toshiharu Kojiri
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 98, No 8, 25 April 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Climate change, ecology, GCM outputs, hydraulics aspects, watr resources utilizaiton
Abstract: Climate change and global warming pose serious problems for sustainability of a sound human life. There have been many natural disasters such as floods, droughts, glacier collapses, typhoons, etc. Though many general circulation models have been developed and provided for worldwide hydrological and meteorological estimations, detailed causes and counter-measures on water-related disasters have not yet been resolved. Climate change and global warming in a river basin involve many different components such as hydrological, hydraulic and water resources view-points. Under these circumstances, water-related issues such as system dynamics, downscaling, river basin simulation and economic damage must be discussed to understand the impact evaluation linking it with human actions and the need for interdisciplinary collaborations.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53170
Title: Forewarning of M 7.6 earthquake at Andaman Islands: where next?
Author: M. Choowong
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 98, No 8, 25 April 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: None
Abstract: None
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53169
Title: A discussion with John Seed on ' the ecological footprint of science '
Author: Geethanjali Monto
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 98, No 8, 25 April 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: None
Abstract: None
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53168
Title: State-level inventory of invasive alien plants, their source regions and use potential
Author: K.P.Singh, Achuta Nand Shukla and J.S.Singh
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 99, No 1, 10 July 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Invasive alien speices, India, Uttar Pradesh
Abstract: A comprehensive inventory of the invasive alien flora of India ' s fifth largest and most populous state, Uttar Pradesh, revealed 152 species from 109 genera and 44 families. Dicots represented 137 species and monocots 15 species. About 73% of these alien species were introduced from tropical America including South America, followed by tropical Africa (10.5%). Maximum number of speices (30) were from the family Asteraceae, followed by Fabaceae (12 species), and then Amaranthaceae, Solanaceae adn Convolvulaceae with eight species each. Herbs accounted for 128 species, shrubs 12 species, climbers 8 species, whereas trees and lianas 3 and 1 species respectively. People have found a large number of these alien species useful.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None