ID: 51817
Title: Learning about the Universe from Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation
Author: T.R.Seshadri
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2009
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 97, No 6, 25 September 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Cosmic microwave background radiation, isotropy, polarization, Universe
Abstract: The Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation (CMBR) is a nearly isotropic radiation that carries information about the state of the Universe in its early phase and about different physical processes that occur at different times during the course of its evolution. The high degree of isotropy is a compelling evidence of the inflationary model of the Universe. The nature of specific features on the CMBR like the minute level of temperature anisotropy and polarization can narrow down the parameters which govern the evolution of the Universe. In these features the information about the initial conditions, evolution, geometry as well as the material content of the Universe is encoded. I have given in this review an overview of the physics involved in CMB studies and what it tells us about the Universe. I have also discussed the observations form 5-year data of WMAP and their implications.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 51816
Title: Milking diatoms-a new route to sustainable energy
Author: V.T.Yadugiri
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2009
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 97, No 6, 25 September 2009
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: 51815
Title: A high-Si, high-Ca spinel-like phase from mantle peridotite: a report from Cretaceous ophiolite of Rutland Island, Andaman-Java subduction complex
Author: Tapan Pal, Biswajit Ghosh and Anindya Bhattacharya
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2009
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 97, No 7, 10 October 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Andaman, Mantle peridotite, Rutland Island, spinel-like phase
Abstract: We report here exsolved phase with unusual composition (SiO2: 14-22 wt%, CaO: 4-10 wt% and Cr2O3 :17-21 wt%) from mantle peridotite of the Cretaceous ophiolite of Rutland Island in the Andamans. This high-Si, high-Ca bearing spinel-like phase occurs in two modes as fine blebs (<1-3 ?) which exsolved blebs of diopside and fine lamellae (<1-7 ?) within the orthopyroxene host along with lamellae of diopside and Cr-spinel. The BSE image exhibiting a tonal character as well as the chemistry intermediate of Cr-spinel and diopside suggests that this phase exsolved from pigeonite at an intermediate stage before the exsolution of fine lamellae of Cr-spinel and diopside in the orthopyroxene host.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 51814
Title: Understanding future changes in snow and glacier melt runoff due to global warming in Wangar Gad basin, India
Author: B.P.Rathore, Anil V. Kulkarni and N.K.Sherasia
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2009
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 97, No 7, 10 October 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Global warming, glacier, hydropower, run-off, snow, Wangar Gad
Abstract: Himalayas has one of the largest concentrations of glaciers and permanent snow fields. These are sensitive to climate change. Snow and glacier runoffs are important sources of water for the Himalayan rivers. Due to steep slopes, all these streams are potential sites for hydropower generation. To understand the power potential of small sub-basins, a snowmelt run-off model has been developed for Malana nala located in the Parbati river basin near Kullu in Himachal Pradesh and validated at the adjacent Tosh nala in the same basin. In the model, information generated through remote sensing techniques were used in conjunction with the daily maximum and minimum temperatures, rainfall and snow fall. This model is now extended to understand the effect of global warming in stream runoff and power generation.To understand changes in runoff and power potential, possible changes in the input parameters were estimated by considering 1oC rise in temperature from 2004 to 2040. Snow line is calculated for 2040 using present altitude and lapse rate. Future change in areal extent of glacier and permanent snow were estimated using mass balance, response time and rate of melting at terminus for all glaciers in the basin. The model was validated for all seasons in 2004 and for selected seasons form 1997 to 2002. The error in runoff estimate was observed between 2 and 5%, except for the summer of 2002. The model suggests overall reduction in stream runoff by 8-28%, depending on the season.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 51813
Title: Carbon sequestration with special reference to agroforestry in cold deserts of Ladakh
Author: G.Phani Kumar, Ashutosh A.Murkute, Sunil Gupta and Shashi Bala Singh
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2009
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 97, No 7, 10 October 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Agroforestry, carbon sequestration, carvon sinks, cold desert lands, global warming, Trans-Himalayas
Abstract: Global worming risks from emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) by anthropogenic activities have increased the need for the identification of ecosystems with high carbon sink capacity as an alterntive mitigation strategy of terrestrial carbon sequestration.The agroforestry sector has received recent attention for its enormous potential carbon pools that reduce carbon emissions to the atmosphere. The Nubra Valley (Trans-Himalayan region) is covered with more than 575,000 agroforestry plantations (willow and poplar). These species have been found to sequester more than 75,000 tonnes of carbon. Every year these plantations are contributing 400 tonnes of leaf litter to the ground, which is one of the best sources of soil organic carbon. This communication attempts to suggest some appropriate management practices to improve soil organic carbon pools by analysing available information of agroforestry plants in the Nubra Valley by quantification of biomass contributin by willow and poplar species within the valley and CO2 sequestration rates by the living biomass.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 51812
Title: Adsorption of non-petroleum base surfactant on reservoir rock
Author: Subrata Borgohain Gogoi
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2009
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 97, No 7, 10 October 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Adsorption, brine, Na-lignosulphonate, pH, reservoir rock
Abstract: Surfactant loss due to adsorption on the reservoir rock is one of the major concerns in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) processes. It weakens the effectiveness of the injected slug in reducing oil-water interfacial tension (IFT) and makes the process uneconomical. In this study, an attempt is made to investigate the adsorption of Na-lignosulphonate onto the porous media of Oil India Limited (OIL) petroleum reservoir rocks. The data were interpreted from the well-known models and it was found that the Langmuir model is a good fit for the pH and brine data over the entire range of variables. Adsorption increases with NaCl concentration and decreases with increase in pH.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 51811
Title: A green protocol for room temperature synthesis of silver nanoparticles in seconds
Author: Sankar Kalidas Sivaraman, Iniyan Elango, Sanjeev Kumar and Venugopal Santhanam
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2009
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 97, No 7, 10 October 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Green synthesis, pH, room temperature, silver nanoparticles, tannic acid
Abstract: We describe here a rapid, energy-efficient, green and economically scalable room temperature protocol for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles. Tannic acid, a polyphenolic compound derived from plant extracts is used as the reducing agent. Silver nanoparticles of mean size ranging from 3.3 to 22.1 nm were synthesized at room temperature by the addition of silver nitrate to tannic acid solution maintained at an alkaline pH. The mean size was tuned by varying the molar ratio of tannic acid to silver nitrate. We also present proof of concept results demonstrating its suitability for room temperature continuous flow processing
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 51810
Title: Host plant (Ricinus communis Linn.) mediated effects of elevated CO2 on growth performance of two insect folivores
Author: M.Srinivasa Rao, K.Srinivas, M.Vanaja, G.G.S.N.Rao, B.Venkateswarlu and Y.S.Ramakrishna
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2009
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 97, No 7, 10 October 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Achaea janata, biochemical analysis, castor, consumption, elevated CO2, insect performance indices, Spodoptera litura
Abstract: Elevated atmospheric CO2 expected in the near future as a consequence of increasing emissions will alter the quantity and quality of plant foliage, which in turn can influence the growth and development of insect herbivores. Feeding trials with two foliage feeding insect species. Achaea janata and Spodoptera litura were conducted using foliage of castor plants grown under four concentrations of CO2, viz. 700 ppm CO2 inside open top chamber (OTC), 550 ppm CO2 inside OTC, ambient CO2 (350 ppm) inside OTC and ambient CO2 in the open. Biochemical analysis of foliage revealed that plants grown under elevated CO2 had lower N, and higher C, C/N ratio and polyphenols. Compared to the larvae fed on ambient CO2 foliage, the larvae fed on 700 and 550 ppm CO2 foliage exhibited greater consumption. Larval duration also increased by two days. The 700 and 550 ppm CO2 foliage was more digestible with higher values of approximate digestibility. The relative consumption rate of larvae increased whereas the efficiency parameters, viz. efficiency of conversion of ingested food (ECI), efficiency of conversion of digested food (ECD), and relative growth rate (RGR) decreased in case of larvae grown on 700 and 550 ppm CO2 foliage. The consumption and weight gain of the larvae were negatively and significantly influenced by leaf nitrogen, which was found to be the most important factor affecting consumption and growth of larvae.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 51809
Title: Scope of horticultural land-use system in enhancing carbon sequestration in ferruginous soils of the semi-arid tropics
Author: P.Chandran, S.K.Ray, S.L.Durge, P.Raja, A.M.Nimkar, T.Bhattacharyya and D.K.Pal
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2009
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 97, No 7, 10 October 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Carbon sequestration, ferruginous soils, land-use systems, semi-arid tropics
Abstract: Soil exhaustion is a major concern particularly in ferruginous soils of the tropics and restoration of soil quality through management of soil organic carbon (SOC) is one of the options to combat the situation. To understand the scope of different systems to sequester organic carbon in ferruginous soils (Typic Rhodustalfs), three representative systems, viz. agriculture (40 years), horticulture (20 years) and forestry (several centuries) were selected in a contiguous area under semi-arid tropical climate. The study indicated that the quasi-equilibrium value (QEV) of SOC decreased from 1.78 to 0.68% in the first 30 cm, when the soils are used for agriculture instead of retaining them as forest. A shift from agricultural to horticultural system over 20 years increased the QEV to 0.81% indicating accumulation of SOC. The highest threshold value of SOC is observed in forest system, followed by horticultural and the lowest in agricultural system. The present study indicates that horticultural system is a better option to enhance the SOC if forestry is not feasible in these ferruginous soils.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 51808
Title: Garnet-sillimanite-cordierite-quartz-bearing assemblages from early Archean supracrustal rocks of Bundelkhand Massif, Central India
Author: S.P.Singh and S.B.Dwivedi
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2009
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 97, No 1, 10 July 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Bundelkhand gneisses, high-grade metamorphism, mineral assemblages, mineral chemistry, P-Tconditions
Abstract: The Bundelkhand gneissic complex includes the highgrade metapelites, amphibolites, calc-silicates and granite-gneisses, which are invaded by 3.2-3.3 Ga old tonalite-trondjemite-grainodiorite. Detailed petrographic studies and EPMA analyses of metapelites reveal the presence of garnet-sillimanite-cordierite-biotite-K-feldspar-plagioclase-quartz, biotite-sillimanite-cordierite-K-feldspar-plagiocalse-quartz and garnet-sillimanite-biotite-K-feldspar-plagioclase-quartz mineral assemblanges which belong to upper amphibolite to granulite facies rocks and have been reported for the first time from the Bundelkhand craton. The average P-T conditions estimated by different models of geothermobarometry yield the core composition at 730oC/5.4 kbar and rim composition at 640oC/5.1 kbar.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 51807
Title: Physico-chemical, biochemical and microbial characteristics of soils of mangroves of the Andamans: a post-tsunami analysis
Author: S.Ghoshal Chaudhuri, R. Dinesh, T.E.Sheeja, R.Raja, V.Jeykumar and R.C.Srivastava
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2009
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 97, No 1, 10 July 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Biochemical properties, mangrove forests, microbial biomass carbon, soil enzymes, soil microbial activity
Abstract: The mangroves of the Bay Islands accounting for 18% (383 km2) of the total Indian mangroves were adversely affected by the December 2004 tsunami. Changes in topography, salinity and massive water inflow have led to extensive soil degradation and associated nutrient losses in these mangroves. The major aim of the study was to determine whether the December 2004 tsunami had any effects on soil physico-chemical (pH, electrical conductivity of saturation extract (EC), clay, cation exchange capacity (CEC), organic carbon (OC), total N (TN), Bray phosphorus (P), exchangeable cations (Ca, Mg, K and Na) and biochemical/ microbial parameters (Microbial biomass -C (CMIC), -N (NMIC), N-flush, basal respiration and hydrolytic enzyme activities). The post-tsunami soil samples (disturbed sites) were characterized by higher levels of EC, Na and Mg, while the pre-tsunami soils samples (undisturbed sites) had higher levels of OC, P, K and CEC. The study also revealed marked reductions in microbial biomass and activity in the disturbed sites. CMIC, NMIC, N-flush, basal respiration, and activities of hydrolytic enzymes like BAA-protease, casein-protease, phosphomonoesterase, ?-glucosidase, arylsuphatase, invertase, carboxy methyl cellulase and dehydrogenase were considerably lower in the disturbed sites. Higher levels of metabolic quotient (qCO2) in the disturbed soils indicated comparatively more stressed soil microbial community with reduced substrate utilization efficiency. Apparently, microbial activity was limited by the supply of biologically available substrates like OC in the disturbed sites. Contrarily, the more direct supply of nutrients from decomposing plant litter and the indirect supply of nutrients from the mineralization of organic matter led to significantly higher microbial activity in the undisturbed sites.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 51806
Title: Decision support system for efficient water management in canal command areas
Author: B.Krishna Rao and T.B.S.Rajput
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2009
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 97, No 1, 10 July 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Canal supplies and demands, Command areas, cropping pattern, decision support system, water management
Abstract: A decision support system for canal water releases (CWREDSS) was developed to provide demand -based optimal canal water releases for reducing the gap between canal suppliers and demands for increasing the water-use efficiency in canal command areas. The developed decision support system (DSS) was evaluated under different situations of the command area of Guvvalagudem major distributary of the Nagarjunasagar Left Canal, Andhra Pradesh, India, as a case study. Results indicate that the CWREDSS is capable of developing releases under different scenarios of varying cropping patterns, groundwater use situations and different rainfall probability levels of the study area. and reduced the gap between demands and supplies considerably. DSS provides suggestions/decisions under different situations of water deficit/decisions under different situations of water deficit/surplus. CWREDSS will help irrigation engineers, agronomists and agro-meteorologists in the planning, operation and management of irrigation systems.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 51805
Title: Influence of crop establishment methods on methane emission from rice fields
Author: S.K.Singh, Venkatesh Bharadwaj, T.C.Thakur, S.P.Pachauri, P.P.Singh and A.K.Mishra
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2009
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 97, No 1, 10 July 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Aerobic rice, direct seeded rice, mat-type rice transplanter, methane flux
Abstract: A field experiment was conducted to know the effect of rice sowing and transplanting methods as well as nutrient management through 12 treatments were assessed during kharif 2004 at Crop Research Centre, Pantnagar. The maximum methane flux was recorded in 100% NPK + straw + manual transplanting practice (7.70 mg m-2 h-1), whereas the lowest 0.70 mg m-2 h-1 in vermicompost + direct sowing. The treatment 100% NPK + sulphur + manual transplanting gave higher grain yield of rice (6.85 t ha-1) and CH4 emission (2.25 mg m-2 h-1). However, the treatment 100% NPK + sulphur + direct sowing was effective in reducing methane flux (1.57 mg m-2 h-1) with higher rice grain yield of 6.62 t ha-1.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 51804
Title: Monitoring shoreline environment of Paradip, east coast of India using remote sensing
Author: R.Mani Murali, Deepak Shrivastava and P.Vethamony
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2009
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 97, No 1, 10 July 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Accretion, erosion, geomorphology, remote sensing, shoreline changes
Abstract: In the present study, we used multi-temporal satellite images of Indian Remote Sensing Satellites (IRS1D and IRS P6 - Resourcesat) from 1998 to 2005 to monitor the coastal environment of Paradip, east coast of India. The resultant coastal vector maps were used to estimate the geomorphological changes and shifting of the shoreline position. This integrated study is found useful for exploring accretion and erosion processes in the region. The shoreline maps were compared with the 1973 Survey of India toposheets to estimate the changes which have occurred in the region. Results indicate an increase of 7.72 km in shoreline length and a net loss of 18.73 km2 of beach area between the years 1973 and 1998, and 0.46 km reduction in shoreline length and 3.11 km2 increase in beach area between 1998 and 2005. An overall net increase of 7.26 km length shoreline and a net loss of 15.6 km2 was observed between 1973 and 2005. The years 2001, 2002 and 2003 exhibited loss in length of shorelines as well as area of the beach. These years coincided with certain coastal activities carried out in the study region.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 51803
Title: Modelling the ecology and distribution of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) in the Indian subcontinent
Author: D.Adhikari, A.Chettri and S.K.Barik
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2009
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 97, No 1, 10 July 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Avian influenza virus, ecological niche, H5N1 virus, Indian subcontinent
Abstract: The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) type H5N1 has become a menace in the recent years, causing huge economic losses to the poultry industry. However, a proper understanding of the factors governing its transmission cycle and possible outbreaks in space and time is lacking. The ecological niche modelling tool, Genetic Algorithm for Rule-Set Prediction (GARP) has been used to model the ' black box ' of H5N1 transmission in the Indian subcontinent. Ninety outbreak records for veterinary cases of H5N1 in West Bengal and Bangladesh, and 18 environmental parameters with a pixel resolution of ?4 Km were used in the modelling. The final optimized rules generated by GARP were projected on a broad geographical scale covering India, Bangladesh, Nepal and many parts of Pakistan to anticipate the potential areas for the presence of H5N1. The niche model predicted vast areas in the Indo-Bangladesh region for the presence of H5N1. The areas having high level of model agreements are in the Gangetic Plains, Assam, Tripura, West Bengal and some parts of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat. The model also predicted large areas in northern Pakistan and some parts of Nepal to be suitable for H5N1 transmission. The modelled ecological niche of H5N1 in the present study is characterized by a mean annual temperature range of 21-26oC, lower slope angle, areas with a tendency to pool water, a significant montly variation in the degree of greenness and human population density of more than 100 persons/km2. The resultant niche model validated 49 cases of HPAI outbreak out of the total 52 past as well as the latest outbreaks in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None