ID: 52597
Title: El Nino related health hazards in India
Author: Rais Akhtar
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Assiciation, Vol 98, No 2, 25 January 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: 52596
Title: Climate Change and Groundwater
Author: None
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Assiciation, Vol 98, No 1, 10 January 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: 52595
Title: Search of alternative substratum for agar in plant tissue culture
Author: Chitta Ranjan Deb and Aolemela Pongener
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Assiciation, Vol 98, No 1, 10 January 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Agar, alternative substratum, coconut coir, polyurethane foam
Abstract: In plant tissue culture, agar has been the most commonly used gelling agent. But the exorbitant price and stress on its sources have necessitated the search for low cost alternatives. In the present study, a successful attempt has been made to standardize low cost plant tissue culture substratum. Different substratum like ' polyurethane foam disc ' , chopped coconut coir, betel nut coir and leaf litter were processed and used as substratum in place of agar and a comparative study was done. Successful asymbiotic immature seed germination and plant regeneration of Cymbidium aloifolium was achieved on different substratum like foam disc and coconut coir. Amongst the different substratum used, optimum germination, regeneration and multiple shoot buds formation was registered on polyurethane foam containing medium follwed by agar medium and coconut coir containing media. The results of the present study offer a new possibilities of using low cost raw materials which will reduce production costs considerably and will help in popularizing plant tissue culture techniques.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52594
Title: Stream profiles as indicator of active tectonic deformation along hte Intra-Foreland Thrust, Nahan Salient, NW India
Author: Tejpal Singh and A.K.Awasthi
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Assiciation, Vol 98, No 1, 10 January 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Intra-Foreland Thrust, Nahan Salient, reactivation, Stream long profiles, SL value
Abstract: Stream profiles along five major streams from the Nahan Salient in the Western Sub-Himalaya were investigated with special emphasis on reactivation/active tectonics of teh Intra-Foreland Thrust (IFT). Each of the stream profiles is observed to consist of two to three segments of different stream gradients. Each segment comprises a ' stream reach ' and is marked by a distinct stream-length (SL) gradient index. SL index curves drawn for the five streams show anomalous increase in its values at the contact of two stream reaches. These distinct anomalies are found associated with the surface exposure of IFT in teh field. Likewise low mountain front sinuosity (1.1 to 2.4) and low valley width to height ratios (0.1 to 0.33) also reflect active tectonic deformation along the IFT due to reactivation. The present stream profile approach is simpler, easier and faster to locate sites of fault related reactivation.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52593
Title: A new approach to avalanche prediction over Indian Western Himalaya
Author: J.C.Joshi, A.Ganju and Vikas Sharma
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Assiciation, Vol 98, No 1, 10 January 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Conventional technique, forecasting variables, index of avalanche
Abstract: Avalanche prediction is mainly done by conventional and statistical techniques and over Indian Himalayas it is predicted in terms of none, low, medium and high avalanche danger as well as occurrence or non-occurrence of avalanche. In the present study, a quantitative range is calculated for each of the danger levels. Initially, normalized snow and meterological parameters have been divided into 10 equal ranges (between 0 and 1) and an index of avalanche (IA) has been calculated for each range of every parameter. The model output has been compared with avalanches occurring over the concerned regions for the winter of 2004-05. The avalanche prediction accuracy for different regions in Lower Himalayan zone varies from 80% to 88% except at Dhundee where it is 64%. In Middle Himalayan zone, prediction accuracy on Drass is 88% and that on Patseo is 66%. It has also been concluded that the contribution of individual forecasting variables towards avalanches in different regions vary.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52592
Title: Population genetic structure and conservation priorities of Oryza rufipogon Griff. populations in Kerala, India
Author: R.Dinesh Raj, A.G.Kiran and George Thomas
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Assiciation, Vol 98, No 1, 10 January 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Conservation, gene flow, habitat fragmentation, Oryza rufipogon, RAPDs
Abstract: Oryza rufipogan Griff, is a valuable reservoir of useful traits for rice genetic improvement. We evaluate the genetic diversity of six populations of O.rufipogan from Kerala using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markets. Various estimates revealed high genetic diversity in the populations. However, gene flow between the populaitons was low and 47% of the total genetic diversity was partitioned between populations, suggesting moderate differentiation between them. Clustering of all individuals from the same populations under distinct nodes supported the population differentiation. Considering its outbreeding behaviour, the low gene flow and moderate differentiation recorded in this study indicate that the recent habitat destruction and fragmentation have had an impact on the genetic characteristics of O.rufipogon populations in Kerala. The high genetic diversity observed in this study, contrary to expectations for fragmented populations, is presumably contributed by the recurring gene flow from cultivated rice grown in nearby fields. We recommend immediate conservation of a large number of populations of this species, including establishment of isolated conservatories away from rice fields to maintain the purity of the wild gene pool.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52591
Title: Temporal variabilityof phosphorus flux from Pike River watershed to the Missisquoi Bay of Quebec
Author: B.K.Adhikari, C.A.Madramootoo and A.Sarangi
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Assiciation, Vol 98, No 1, 10 January 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Missisquoi Bay, phosphorus flux, phosphorus reduction strategy, Pike River watershed
Abstract: Phosphorus (P) has been identified as the main cause of eutrophication in the Missisquoi Bay of Lake Champlain, of waterbody shared by the Province of Quebec (Canada) and State of Vermont (United States). The Pike River is one of the main water courses contributing P to the bay, frequently at levels exceeding a bilaterally-imposed water quality standard (25 ?g P/I), designed to address multiple-use issues such as fishing, recreation, aquatic biodiversification and aesthetic value of the bay. The overall annual P flux contributed to the bay by the Pike River watershed (28 Mg per year) exceeds target levels by 3.5-fold. Consequently, daily and seasonal variability in P flux from the Pike River watershed were monitored and analysed to provide a sound basis for the holistic development of a P reduction and management plan. Mean daily P flux at the watershed outlet ranged from 130 kg/day in spring to 22 kg/day in summer. Spring snowmelt and rainfall -generated runoff, along with that arising from rainfall on bare land after fall harvest, contributed 82% of the watershed ' s annual P discharge. Thus, roughly three-fifths of the P contributed to the bay was discharged over only one-fifth of the hydrological year. This clearly indicates that a more stringent and targeted P pollution reduction plan must be devised and implemented to achieve the water quality goals set for the bay.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52590
Title: National food security vis-a-vis sustainability of agriculture in high crop productivity regions
Author: B.S.Dhillon, Poonam Kataria and P.K.Dhillon
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Assiciation, Vol 98, No 1, 10 January 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: National laboratory, nationa food security, rice-wheat cropping system, soil and water resources, sustainability of agriculture.
Abstract: India has made rapid progess in food grain production during secon half of the 20th century in which Punjab has played a leading role. However, the growth rate in the state has slowed down over the years and now there is practically a plateauing of the productivity of wheat and rice, the two most important food grain crops. Further, intensive rice-wheat cultivation has created a stress on soil and water resources, and the very sustainability of crop production is under question. The agricultural problems being faced in Punjab, Haryana and other high crop productivity regions deserve immediate national attention because of their increasing relative importance to national food security and increasing food prices at the international level; and their utility to serve as laboratories of the nation for the devlopment of technologies and strategies for agricultural progress in other states/regions on sustainable basis.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52589
Title: Occurrence of stishovite in the precambrian Siwana volcanic province, Western Rajasthan, India
Author: R.P.Tripathi, S.C.Mathur, Sonal Mathur, G.Trupti, D.Chandrashekharam
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Assiciation, Vol 98, No 1, 10 January 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: 52588
Title: The need for establishing long-term ecological research stations network in India
Author: S.K.Tripathi
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Assiciation, Vol 98, No 1, 10 January 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: 52587
Title: Assamese rice variety that needs no cooking
Author: V.T.Yadugiri
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Assiciation, Vol 98, No 1, 10 January 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: 52586
Title: Mapping topsoil organic carbon in non-agricultural semi-arid and arid ecosystems of Israel
Author: Thomas Jarmer, Joachim Hill, Hanoch Lavee, and Pariente Sarah
Editor: Russell G Congalton
Year: 2010
Publisher: ASPRS, Vol 76, No 1, January 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing
Keywords: Soil organic carbon (SOC), regression models
Abstract: Mapping of soil organic carbon (SOC) was accomplished with remote sensing methods to assess its spatial variability. The relationship between bi-directional reflectance measurements and SOC was investigated with respect to C.I.E color coordinates. Empirical relationships were generated for the spectral detection of SOC of two semi-arid to arid study sites. These regression models allowed the prediction of SOC with a cross -validated r2=0.910 (RMSEcv = 2.825) and r2 of 0.795 (RMSEcv = 2.113), respectively. Because C.I.E color coordinates were found to be appropriate parameters for predicting the SOC, reflectance values of Landsat TM bands were transformed into C.I.E color coordinates. The C.I.E based regression models were applied to a Landsat image to estimate SOC in the spatial domain. Concentrations predicted from satellite data corresponded well with concentration ranges derived from chemical analysis. Estimated concentrations reflect the geographic conditions and depend on annual rainfall, with a general trend to decreasing SOC with increasing aridity.
Location: 231
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52585
Title: Mapping cropland and major crop types across the Great lakes Basin using MODIS-NDVI data
Author: Yang Shao, Ross S. Lunetta, Jayantha Ediriwickrema, and John Iiames
Editor: Russell G Congalton
Year: 2010
Publisher: ASPRS, Vol 76, No 1, January 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing
Keywords: Great Lakes Basin (GLB), National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Crop Data Layer (CDL)
Abstract: This research evaluated the potential for using the MODIS Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) 16-day composite (MOD13Q) 250 m time-series data to develop an annual crop type mapping capability throughout the 480,000 km2 Great Lakes Basin (GLB). An ecoregion-stratified approach was developed using a two-step processing approach that included an initial differentiation of cropland versus non-cropland and subsequent identification of individual crop types. Major crop types were mapped for the calendar years of 2002 and 2007. National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) census data were used to assess country level accuracies on a unit area basis (2002) and the NASS Crop Data Layer (CDL) was used to generate 231,616 reference data points to support a pixel-wise assessment of the MODIS crop type classification (2007) accuracy across the US portion of the GLB. County level comparisons for 2002 indicated 2.2, -6.8, -6.0 and -5.8 percent of area bias errors for corn, soybeans, wheat, and hay, respectively. Detailed pixel-wise accuracy assessments resulted in an overall crop type classification accuracy of 84 percent (Kappa = 0.73) for 2007. Kappa coefficients ranged from 0.74 to 0.69 for individual ecoregions. The user ' s accuracies for corn, soybean, wheat, and hay were 87, 82, 81 and 70 percent, respectively. There were spatial variations of classification performances across ecoregions, especially for soybean and hay. Field sizes had a direct impact on the variable classification performances across the GLB.
Location: 231
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52584
Title: A network representation of Raster land-cover patches
Author: Lee De Cola
Editor: Russell G Congalton
Year: 2010
Publisher: ASPRS, Vol 76, No 1, January 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing
Keywords: GIS technology, Network models, Mathematical graph theory, land/environmental interactions
Abstract: Network models, based on mathematical graph theory, are used in many fields, from chemistry and biology to ecology and sociology. A nominal -valued land-cover raster can be represented as a network in which patches are nodes connected by links if two patches are adjacent. Built with existing GIS technology, the system is applied to the largest patches of a raster for the Washington, D.C. area in order to provide a data structure that visualizes the gross spatial structure of the raster; provides information about the overall arrangement of the patches and their adjacencies; and generates new metrics about land-cover patterns, connectivity and spatial autocorrelation, The system facilitates the evaluation of land-cover classification.s, the measurement of landscape change, comparisions of data from different regions, and the analysis of land/environmental interactions.
Location: 231
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 52583
Title: Factors influencing pulse width of small footprint, full waveform airborne Laser Scanning Data
Author: Yu-Ching Lin and Jon P.Mills
Editor: Russell G Congalton
Year: 2010
Publisher: ASPRS, Vol 76, No 1, January 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing
Keywords: Laser scan, Pulse width
Abstract: Small footprint, full waveform airborne laser scanning provides the opportunity to drive high-resolution geometric and physical information simultaneously from a single scanner system. This study evaluates the influence of various factors on the shape of the returned waveform and investigates teh possibility of improving terrain classification by applying waveform-derived information. The factors discussed are surface roughness, slope angle, scan angle, amplitude, and footprint size. It is statistically demonstrated that roughness is the most significant factor affecting pulse width, and that, over relatively smooth surfaces, there is no significant variation in pulse width behaviour resulting from different footprint sizes. Pulse width also exhibits a relatively stabe behavior when amplitude, range distance, or scan angle vary substantially. The overall accuracy of classification achieved by applying pulse width information over all the different land-cover types examined in this study (including scrub, hillside, single trees, and forest areas) was greater than 85 percent, with >94 percent achieved for open vegetation areas. Physical surface information provided by small footprint waveform data is considered to be at the microscale, therefore it is recommended to combine such information with geometry (e.g. filtering algorithms) for the optimal identification of terrain points.
Location: 231
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None