ID: 63157
Title: Chenopodium species: from weeds to a healthy food grain ‘quinoa’
Author: Rajendra Prasad and Yashbir Singh Shivay
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 116 (2) 171-173 (2019)
Subject: Chenopodium species: from weeds to a healthy food grain ‘quinoa’
Keywords: Chenopodium species, healthy food grain, ‘quinoa
Abstract: Genus Chenopodium has about 250 species, which mostly grow as weeds throughout the world. In India, the
most common species is Chenopodium album L., which grows as a weed in wheat fields in the north. Its foliage is used as a green vegetable, while the seed is used in the hilly regions for making gruel and mild
alcoholic beverages. However, people of Andes, South America have domesticated and developed Chenopodium quinoa (popularly known as quinoa) as an excellent food-grain crop since the past several millennia. Quinoa received global attention in the wake of human intolerance to gluten in wheat resulting in celiac disease, and its demand has largely increased. The United Nations General Assembly declared 2013 as the International Year of Quinoa. The leading country in the world producing quinoa is Peru, followed by Bolivia. However, considering the demand and high market prices, a number of countries, including India have started growing quinoa. However, farmers in India are facing problem in marketing the crop, because there is no local consumption and exporting a farm product is problematic. India has a variety of food grains,
including pearl millet, sorghum and several minor millets to tackle gluten intolerance and celiac disease.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Christenhusz, M. J. M. and Byng, J. W.,
Phytotaxa, 2016, 261(3), 201–217.
Müller, K. and Borsch, T., Ann. Mo. Bot.
Gard., 2005, 92, 66–102.
Literature cited 2: Rishi, J. and Galwey, N. W., Adv. Appl. Biol., 1984, 10, 145–216.
Yadav, N., Vasudeva, N., Singh, H. S. and Sharma, S. K., Nat. Prod. Radiance, 2007, 6, 131–134.
ID: 63156
Title: Diminishing forest area in the Western Himalaya: apprehensions for the loss of vital biodiversity
Author: Sunil Prasad
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 116 (2) 170-171 (2019)
Subject: Diminishing forest area in the Western Himalaya: apprehensions for the loss of vital biodiversity
Keywords: Diminishing forest area, Western Himalaya, vital biodiversity
Abstract: The Western Himalayan Region (WHR)
is one of the best studied ecoregions of
India known for its rich biodiversity. It
supports over 4500 species of angiosperms, over 20 species of gymnosperms, 350 species of pteridophytes, 1063 species of birds and nearly 33% of Indian mammals.
. Threats to biodiversity are high in the region, as much of the local populace is dependent on these forests for its day-to-day needs. In recent years, the stresses on forests of the WHR have become more intense due to unsustainable developmental activities as well as an increased frequency of natural disasters. Beside the tangible benefits such
as biomass products that are extracted by
the local populace, these forests provide
numerous critical ecosystem services
such as supporting biodiversity, providing habitat for wildlife and regulation of
various hydro-geological cycles.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Singh, S. P. and Thadani, R., Biodiversity
Conservation in the Western Himalaya,
Bishen Singh Mahendra Pal Singh, Dehradun, 2011, ISBN:978-81-211-0770-9.
FSI, Indian State of Forest Report, Forest
Survey of India, Dehradun, 2011 and
2015.
Literature cited 2: Butler Rhett, A., Primary rainforest richer
in species than plantations, secondary
forests, 2007; mongabay.com
Sahney, S., Benton, M. J. and Falcon Lang, H. J., Geology, 2010, 38(12), 1079–1082; doi:10.1130/G31182.1.
ID: 63155
Title: Methods in Stream Ecology, Third Edition – Volume 2: Ecosystem Function
Author: Gary A. Lamberti and F. Richard Hauer (eds) reviewed by T.V.Ramachandra
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 116 (1) 135-136 (2019)
Subject: Methods in Stream Ecology
Keywords: Stream Ecology, Ecosystem Function.
Abstract: Streams contain surface and groundwater
fluxes, responding to geological, geomorphological, hydrological and biotic
control in a region, which form a decisive part of the earth’s water circulatory
system. Surface water flowing within the
bed and banks of streams transports
sediments, nutrients and other materials
into streams, rivers and lakes, and onto
the ocean. Streams perform vital ecosystem functions such as providing habitat (for aquatic and terrestrial biota), mitigating instances of floods, groundwater
recharge, provision of drinking water,
bioremediation, etc.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1:
Literature cited 2:
ID: 63154
Title: Assessment of ergonomic parameters of coconut climbing devices for women
Author: Bini Sam, Hameeda Bindu Vahab and S. Regeena
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 116 (1) 127-133 (2019)
Subject: Assessment of ergonomic parameters of coconut climbing devices for women
Keywords: Coconut climbing devices, ergonomics, heart rate, energy expenditure, women workers.
Abstract: At present there are different models of coconut climbing devices available in the market. The safety and efficiency aspects of coconut climbing devices are not being studied for women. Therefore, a study was
undertaken to evaluate the existing models of five coconut climbing devices, sit and climb type (TNAU model), standing type (Chemberi model), KAU coconut palm climber (developed at KCAET, Tavanur,
KAU), Kerasureksha (model developed at ARS, Mannuthy, KAU) and CPCRI model coconut climbing device on ergonomic basis for women operators. Minimum heart rate and energy expenditure was observed
for KAU coconut palm climber than other models. The subjects felt less safety in operating TNAU model and standing type (Chemberi model). Sit and climb type (TNAU model) was found difficult to operate compared to other devices. On basis of these results, it was found that KAU coconut palm climber was more suitable and ergonomically comfortable for the women operators.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Mehta, C. R., Gite, L. P. and Khadatkar, A., Women empowerment through agricultural mechanization in India. Curr. Sci., 2018, 114(9), 1934–1940.
Thyagarajan, R., Kathirvel, K. K. and Jayashree, G. C., Ergonomic intervention in sugarcane harvesting knives. Afr. J. Agric. Res.,
2013, 8(6), 574–581.
Literature cited 2: Gite, L. P. and Singh, G., Ergonomics in agricultural and allied activities in India. Technical Bulletin No. CIAE/97/70. ICARCentral Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Bhopal, 2009.
Tewari, V. K., Dewangan, N. and Subrata, K., Operator’s fatigue in field operation of hand tractors. BioSyst. Eng., 2004, 89(1), 1–11.
ID: 63153
Title: Effects of small rainfall events on Haloxylon ammodendron seedling establishment in Northwest China
Author: Guohua Wang Qianqian Gou and Wenzhi Zhao
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 116 (1) 121-127 (2019)
Subject: Effects of small rainfall events on Haloxylon ammodendron seedling establishment in Northwest China
Keywords: Arid regions, Haloxylon ammodendron, seedling establishment, small rainfall events.
Abstract: Small rainfall events (5 mm) account for a large proportion of rainfall amount and may play an important role in triggering plant regeneration in arid ecosystems. However, their potential ecological importance in seedling establishment of desert shrub
has been previously ignored. We conducted two parallel pot experiments to examine the effects of amount and interval of small rainfall events on seedling emergence, growth and survival of the dominant shrub
species Haloxylon ammodendron in sand dunes of Northwest China. The results showed that: (1) decrease in rainfall amounts did not significantly lower seedling emergence, growth and survival in comparison to control, while the large increase (+20%) in rainfall amount resulted in significant increase in seedling emergence, growth and survival for both continuous and intermittent small rainfall events; (2) continuous small rainfall events were more effective than intermittent ones for triggering seedling emergence,
growth and survival; (3) small rainfall events may impact the seedling establishment of H. ammodendron only in wet years. Our results provide insights into the effects of small rainfall events on seedling establishment processes and highlight the inherent complexity in predicting how seedling establishment of shrub species in desert ecosystems will respond to future fluctuations in small rainfall events.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Noy-Meir, I., Desert ecosystems: environment and producers. Annu. Rev. Ecol. Syst., 1973, 4, 25–51.
Ehleringer, J. R., Schwinning, S. and Gebauer, R., Water use in arid land ecosystems. In Physiological Plant Ecology (eds Press,
M. C., Scholes, J. D. and Barker, M. G.), Blackwell Science, Boston, USA, 2000, pp. 347–365.
Literature cited 2: Schwinning, S. et al., Thresholds, memory, and seasonality: understanding pulse dynamics in arid/semi-arid ecosystems.
Oecologia, 2004, 141(2), 191–193.
Schwinning, S. et al., Deuterium enriched irrigation indicates different forms of rain use in shrub/grass species of the Colorado
Plateau. Oecologia, 2002, 130(3), 345–355.
ID: 63152
Title: Myco-potash solubilizers
Author: B. K. Parida, R. V. Vyas, Y. K. Jhala and S. Dasgupta
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 116 (1) 116-120 (2019)
Subject: Myco-potash solubilizers
Keywords: Fungal cultures, myco-potash, organic acids, solubilization index
Abstract: This study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of agriculturally beneficial fungi for potash solubilization and to develop myco-potash cultures for use in crop growth. In all six fungal cultures were utilized in the study, viz. Paecilomyces lilacinus, Tricoderma harzianum, Aspergillus wentii, Emericella nidulans, Verticillium lecanii and Tricoderma viride. Among them, A. wentii and T. viride were found to produce 3.3 and 3.65 mm solubilization index around the colony after 7 days of incubation (DAI) on Aleksandrov medium supplemented with mica as potash source. Whereas for agar medium supplemented with feldspar, maximum solubilization index was 2.5 mm (A. wentii),
2.55 mm (T. viride), 2.48 mm (V. lecanii) and 2.58 mm (P. lilacinus) 7 DAI. To reveal the mechanism of potash solubilization, A. wentii, T. viride, T. harzianum and V. lecanii were chosen for organic acid profiling
using HPCL. A. wentii produced the highest amount of total organic acid (1847.775 μg/ml).
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Sugumaran, P. and Janartham, B., Solubilization of potassium minerals by bacteria and their effect on plant growth. World J. Agric. Sci., 2007, 3(3), 350–355.
Sparks, D. L. and Huang, P. M., Physical chemistry of soil potassium. In Potassium in Agriculture (ed. Munson, R. D.), American
Society of Agronomy, Madison, WI, USA, 1985, pp. 202–276.
Literature cited 2: Groudev, S. N., Use of heterotrophic micro-organisms in mineral biotechnology. Acta Biotechnol., 1987, 7, 299–306.
Friedrich, S., Platonova, N. P., Karavaiko, G. I., Stichel, E. and Glombitza, F., Chemical and microbiological solubilization of silicates. Acta Biotechnol., 1991, 11, 187–196.
ID: 63151
Title: Carbon sequestration potential of Hardwickia binata Roxb. based agroforestry in hot semi-arid environment of India: an assessment of tree density impact
Author: Dipak Kumar Gupta, R. K. Bhatt, Keerthika A., M. B. Noor mohamed , A. K. Shukla and B. L. Jangid
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 116 (1) 112-116 (2019)
Subject: Carbon sequestration potential of Hardwickia binata Roxb. based agroforestry in hot semi-arid environment of India: an assessment of tree density impact
Keywords: Agroforestry, allometric equation, arid and semiarid regions, silvipasture, C-sequestration, tree density
Abstract: Agroforestry is one of the most promising options for climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration. However, carbon sequestered in agroforestry system depends on various factors like type of tree
species, tree density, system age, soil and climate. One of the most important factors for enhancing carbon sequestration per unit land is tree density. Hardwickia binata Roxb. has been reported as suitable agroforestry tree species with multiple benefits in arid and semi-arid region, however, the role and impact of tree density in carbon sequestration is poorly reported.
This study estimated impact of tree density (D1 = 333 tree ha–1 and D2 = 666 tree ha–1) on carbon sequestration potential of 30-year-old H. binata Roxb. + Cenchrus setigerus silvipasture system in hot semiarid
region of Rajasthan. The carbon sequestered in tree biomass was estimated by reported allometric equations, whereas in soil it was determined by Walkley and Black method. Results showed significant impact of tree density on carbon sequestration per unit tree and per hectare land. The average biomass carbon sequestered by a tree was significantly more (44.5%) in low density (D1) compared to high density (D2) system. However, total biomass carbon sequestered per hectare land was significantly more (40.8%) in high
density system (31.6 ± 12.6 Mg C ha–1). Carbon sequestered in soil organic matter was higher in both D1 and D2 systems compared to control (sole Cenchrus
setigerus field). It ranged from 19.93 ± 0.31 Mg C ha–1 in control to 22.94 ± 0.65 Mg C ha–1 and 23.25 ± 0.78 Mg C ha–1 in D1 and D2 respectively. The total carbon sequestered (below and above ground tree
biomass and soil organic carbon) was in the order D2 > D1 > control.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Core Writing Team, Pachauri, R. K. and Meyer, L. A. (eds), IPCC Climate Change 2014: Synthesis Report. Contribution of Working Groups I, II and III to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, IPCC, Geneva, Switzerland,
2014, p. 151.
Verchot, L. V. et al., Climate changes: linking adaptation and mitigation through agroforestry. Mitig. Adapt. Strat. Gl. Change,
2007, 12, 901–910.
Literature cited 2: Koohafkan, P., Altieri, A. M. and Gimenez, H. E., Green Agriculture: foundations for biodiverse, resilient and productive agricultural systems. Int. J. Agric. Sustain., 2012, 10, 61–75.
Dhyani, S. K., Ram, A. and Dev, I., Potential of agroforestry systems in carbon sequestration in India. Indian J. Agric. Sci., 2016,
86, 1103–1112.
ID: 63150
Title: Development of web-based combine harvester custom-hiring model for rice–wheat cropping system
Author: Roaf Ahmad Parray, Indra Mani, Adarsh Kumar and Tapan Kumar Khura
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 116 (1) 108-111 (2019)
Subject: Development of web-based combine harvester custom-hiring model for rice–wheat cropping system
Keywords: Custom hiring, combine harvester, rice– wheat cropping system, web-based model.
Abstract: A web-based custom hiring model was developed to help farmers and custom-hiring service providers take decisions regarding owning/custom hiring of combine harvester for rice–wheat cropping system. It also gives the break-even acreage for owning a combine harvester along with various cost economics. The model was
evaluated for two situations: situation I with own area of 100 acres and custom-hiring catchment area of 160 acres combined under rice and wheat, and situation II
with own area and custom-hiring catchment area being 60 and 276 acres respectively. For situation I the model guided the user to opt for custom-hiring, while for situation II it gave a decision to own a combine harvester.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Mehta, C. R., Chandel, N. S., Senthikumar, T. and Singh, K. K., Trends of agricultural mechanization in India. UN CSAM Policy
Brief, 2014, 1–16.
Sukhpal, S., Kingra, H. S. and Sangeet, A., Custom-hiring services of farm machinery in Punjab: impact and policies. Indian Res.
J. Extn. Educ., 2013, 13(2), 33–44.
Literature cited 2: Iqbal, M. A., Asif, I., Afzal, S., Akbar, N., Nadeem, A. R. and Zaman, H. K., In Pakistan, agricultural mechanization status and
future prospects. Am.-Eur. J. Agric. Environ. Sci., 2015, 15(1), 122–128.
Wang, Y., Yang, F. and Yan, Z., Design and development of decision support system for equipping farm machines. JNW, 9(6),
1648–1655.
ID: 63149
Title: Coal–rock interface recognition based on permutation entropy of LMD and supervised Kohonen neural network
Author: Yong Li, Gang Cheng, Xihui Chen and Chang Liu
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 116 (1) 96-103 (2019)
Subject: Coal–rock interface recognition based on permutation entropy of LMD and supervised Kohonen neural network
Keywords: Coal–rock recognition, local mean decomposition, permutation entropy, supervised Kohonen neural network, sound signal.
Abstract: Owing to the difficulty in coal–rock interface recognition during the process of coal mining, the shearer is damaged at a high frequency. To avoid this problem,
a method is proposed for coal–rock interface recognition based on permutation entropy calculated using the local mean decomposition (LMD) method and supervised Kohonen neural network (SKNN) by performing sound signal analysis. The complex and nonstationary sound signal is adaptively decomposed by LMD. Given that the decomposed product function (PF) components contain the main information of the features, permutation entropy (PE) is used to reflect the complexity and irregularity in each PF component and is defined as the input of the SKNN model. Finally, the optimal SKNN model is obtained by training the samples. The experimental results show that the comprehensive recognition rate of a coal–rock interface is up to 89%. A coal–rock interface can be recognized effectively by sound signal analysis.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Ren, F., Yang, Z. J. and Xiong, S. B., Study on the coal-rock interface recognition method based on multi-sensor data fusion technique. Chin. J. Mech. Eng., 2003, 16(3), 321–324 (in Chinese).
Asfahani, J. and Borsaru, M., Low-activity spectrometric gemmary logging technique for delineation of coal-rock interfaces in dry
blast holes. Appl. Radiat. Isot., 2007, 65(6), 748–755.
Literature cited 2: Sun, J. P., Study on identified method of coal and rock interface based on image recognition. Coal. Sci. Technol., 2011, 39(9), 77–79 (in Chinese).
Wang, B. P., Wang, Z. C. and Zhang, W. Z., The method of coal rock interface recognition based on EMD and neural network. J. Vibrat. Measure. Diagnosis, 2012, 32(4), 586–590 (in Chinese).
ID: 63148
Title: Impact of ultraviolet-B radiation on growth and biochemical composition of Botryococcus braunii Kutz.
Author: Chidambaram Kurinjimalar, Ganapathy Kavitha, Rangaraja Thevanathan, Govindaswamy Kulandaivelu and Ramasamy Rengasamy
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 116 (1) 89-95 (2019)
Subject: Impact of ultraviolet-B radiation on growth and biochemical composition of Botryococcus braunii Kutz.
Keywords: Botryococcus braunii, chlorophyll a, oxygen evolution, ultraviolet-B radiation
Abstract: The present study examines the impact of ultraviolet (UV-B) radiation stress on commercially significant microalga for biofuel application. Experimental alga
Botryococcus braunii was treated under different doses of artificially enhanced UV-B radiation. The organism was treated under high dose rates of 1 and 5 Wm–2 with altered time durations of 15, 30, 45 and 60 min. It showed large variations in the growth characteristics analysed. The rate of whole-cell photosynthetic oxygen evolution showed steep drop in high dose compared to low dose-treated cultures. As a result, level of photosynthetic pigment chlorophyll a content decreased drastically while carotenoid level invariably increased.
Consequently, the level of primary metabolites such as total carbohydrate, protein and lipid was drastically reduced under high dose while marginal decrement
was observed at lowest dose of UV-B radiation. Overall, the impact of UV-B radiation on B. braunii led to a drop in protective mechanisms with associated
decline in growth and cellular imbalance at high intensity studied.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Vimalabai, C. P. M. and Kulandaivelu, G., Effects of prolonged UV-B enhanced fluorescent radiation on some marine microalgae. Biol. Plant., 2002, 45(3), 389–394.
Häder, D. P., Kumar, H. D., Smith, R. C. and Worrest, R. C., Effects of solar UV radiation on aquatic ecosystem and interactions with climate change. Photochem. Photobi
Literature cited 2: Zhou, W., Yin, K., Yuan, X. and Ning, X., Comparison of the effects of short-term UVB radiation exposure on phytoplankton
photosynthesis in the temperate Changjiang and subtropical Zhujiang estuaries of China. J. Oceanogr., 2009, 65(5), 627–638.
Holzinger, A. and Lütz, C., Algae and UV irradiation: effects on ultrastructure and related metabolic functions. Micron, 2006, 37, 190–207
ID: 63147
Title: Biophysical performance of different multipurpose trees species in Jharkhand, India
Author: Bikash Das, Pradip Kumar Sarkar, Neelam Kumari, P. Dey, A. K. Singh and B. P. Bhatt
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 116 (1) 82-88 (2019)
Subject: Biophysical performance of different multipurpose trees species in Jharkhand, India
Keywords: Agroforestry, biophysical performance, CO2FIX model, multipurpose trees species, tree biomass.
Abstract: An experiment was conducted to evaluate the performance and characterize plant growth behaviour, light profile and soil fertility status of seventeen different
trees (12 years old). The study indicated higher biomass production potential of Gmelina arborea, Dalbergia sissoo and Leucaena leucocephala. Higher
photosynthetically active radiation value below tree canopy indicates compatibility of trees with a majority of agricultural crops. In the present study, a significant increase in pH and decrease in EC of trees were
observed. The significant reduction in nutrients in different trees indicated a need for replenishment of nutrients in soil for maintaining soil fertility in agroforestry systems on long-term basis.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Gulati, A. and Rai, S. C., Cost estimation of soil erosion and nutrient loss from a watershed of the Chotanagpur Plateau, India, Curr. Sci., 2014, 107, 670–674.
Dey, P. and Sarkar, A. K., Revisiting indigenous farming knowledge of Jharkhand (India) for conservation of natural resources and combating climate change. Indian J. Tradit. Knowl., 2011, 10, 71–79.
Literature cited 2: Ehui, S. K., Kang, B. T. and Spencer, D. S. C., Economic analysis of soil erosion effects in alley cropping, no-till and bush fallow
systems in South Western Nigeria. Agric. Syst., 1990, 34, 349–368.
Cunningham, A. B., People, park and plant use. Recommendations for multiple use zones and development alternatives around
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, UNESCO, Paris, 1996.
ID: 63146
Title: Regression equations for estimating tree volume and biomass of important timber species in Meghalaya, India
Author: Krishna Giri, Rajiv Pandey, R. S. C. Jayaraj , R. Nainamalai and Subhash Ashutosh
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 116 (1) 75-81 (2019)
Subject: Regression equations for estimating tree volume and biomass of important timber species in Meghalaya, India
Keywords: Biomass, regression equations, tree volume, timber species.
Abstract: Linear regression models were developed for four ecologically and economically important tree species of Meghalaya, India, viz. Betula alnoides, Duabanga grandiflora, Magnolia champaca and Toona ciliata. In
the present study a non-destructive approach has been used for measurement of required variables, i.e., diameter at breast height (DBH), basal diameter, tree
height, end-diameters and length of frustum. Comparison of various models of relationship on the basis of adj. R2
values showed that the value for linear function (V = f (d2 h)) was more than 0.90 for all the four tree species, except lowest diameter class of T. ciliata (10–30 cm diameter class). Hence this linear regression equation was selected for development of diameter class-wise volume equations. Volume of the stem was taken as the dependent variable, while DBH and
tree height were used as independent variables, transformed in the form of d2
h to develop regression equation. Similarly, linear regression equations for each tree species were also developed using linear function [(V = f (d2 ))], considering tree volume as an dependent variable and DBH as an independent variable, transformed in the form of V = d2 . The present study
is among a few attempts to develop regression models without the felling of trees since 1977 and an initial attempt using advanced measurement equipment in
North East (NE) India, under the current regime of ban on tree felling. The regression equations developed in this study can be used for estimation of
timber yield and carbon content of the selected tree species found in the Meghalaya forests.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Pandey, R., Dhall, S. P., Kanwar, B. S. and Bhardwaj, S. D., Some models for predicting volume of Populus deltoids. Indian For.,
1998, 124(8), 629–632.
Stiellfor, W. M., Rapid estimation of volume in red pine plantation. For. Chron., 1957, 33(4), 334–340.
Literature cited 2: Woessner, R. A., Stem volume equation in young cottonwood clones – which equation? In Proceedings 12th SFTIC, 1973, pp. 270–275.
Harding, R. B. and Griger, D. G., Individual tree biomass estimation equations for plantation grown white spruce in northern Minnesota. Can. J. For. Res., 1985, 15(5), 738–739.
ID: 63145
Title: Rainfall estimation techniques over India and adjoining oceanic regions
Author: Anoop Kumar Mishra and Mohammd Rafiq
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 116 (1) 56-68 (2019)
Subject: Rainfall estimation techniques over India and adjoining oceanic regions
Keywords: Microwave sensor, rainfall estimation, satellites, visible/infrared observations.
Abstract: Rainfall estimates have relevance in meteorology, hydrology, agriculture and climate change studies. Near real-time accurate rainfall information at fine
spatial and temporal scale is important in the context of occurrence of recent flood events over the Indian region. Poor rain gauge and radar network limit this information over India. Satellites offer an opportunity to measure rainfall over India and the adjoining oceanic region. Available global rainfall products show poor performance for measuring rainfall over a topographically complex region like India. During the past few decades, efforts have been made to improve rainfall estimates over the Indian region. This study aims
to provide a broad overview of these advancements, to emphasize on the evaluation of rainfall estimation techniques over India.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Mishra, A. K., Gairola, R. M., Varma, A. K. and Agarwal, V. K., Remote sensing of precipitation over Indian land and oceanic
regions by synergistic use of multi-satellite sensors. J. Geophys. Res., 2010, 115, D08106, doi:10.1029/2009JD012157.
Gairola, R. M., Varma, A. K. and Agarwal, V. K., Rainfall estimation using spaceborne microwave radar and radiometric measurements. Mausam, 2003, 54(1), 89–106
Literature cited 2: Huffman, G. J. et al., The TRMM multisatellite precipitation analysis (TMPA): quasi-global, multiyear, combined-sensor precipitation estimates at fine scales. J. Hydrometeorol., 2007, 8, 38–55.
Kubota, T. et al., Global precipitation map using satellite-borne microwave radiometers by the GSMaP project: production and validation. IEEE Trans. Geosci. Remote Sensing, 2007, 45(7),
2259–2274.
ID: 63144
Title: Intricacies in the approval of radiopharmaceuticals – regulatory perspectives and the way forward
Author: Sandeep Sharma, Sanyog Jain, Ashish Baldi, Rajesh K. Singh and Rakesh Kumar Sharma
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 119 (1) 47-55 (2019)
Subject: Intricacies in the approval of radiopharmaceuticals – regulatory perspectives and the way forward
Keywords: Approval, commercial use, guidelines, radiopharmaceuticals, regulatory authority.
Abstract: Extensive research by the global scientific fraternity has led to the production of many radiopharmaceuticals of immense clinical importance. However, this increasing availability has not been matched by adequate regulatory action to back up the legal foundation for their commercial use. It is imperative for a radiopharmaceutical to have a seal of regulatory authority
approval to qualify for human use. The present article highlights various regulatory requirements for approval of radiopharmaceuticals in USA, Europe, and
particularly India, which does not have guidelines for their approval, and intensifies the concern for a harmonized regulatory platform of global acceptance.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Ramberg-Laskaris, K. L., Quality control in the radiopharmacy. J. Nucl. Med. Technol., 1984, 12, 33–36.
Saha, G. B., Quality control of radiopharmaceuticals. In Fundamentals of Nuclear Pharmacy, Springer, 1998, vol. 6, pp. 148–172.
Literature cited 2: Volkert, W. A., Goeckeler, W. F., Ehrhardt, G. J. and Ketring, A.R., Therapeutic radionuclides: production and decay property considerations. J. Nucl. Med., 1991, 32, 174–185.
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ID: 63143
Title: Perspectives from India on geoengineering
Author: Vikram Mathur and Aparna Roy
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 119 (1) 40-46 (2019)
Subject: Perspectives from India on geoengineering
Keywords: Climate change, geoenginering, governance, perspective.
Abstract: Geo-engineering technologies for deliberate and large-scale manipulation of the Earth’s climate system are receiving serious scientific and political interest in the discourse on policy instruments for limiting temperature rise to 1.5°C. While the debate on the scientific and technical feasibility of
a range of geo-engineering technologies rages on, there is an urgent need for analysis of the complex ethical, social and governance issues related to research, experimentation and eventual deployment of these technologies. Our perception survey of Indian policy makers dealing with climate change has identified a number of governance concerns related to geoengineering technologies.
Possible unintended consequences and ‘side effects’ of these technologies raises concerns of differential impacts in the vulnerable global south. Large-scale deployment of BECCS could have
significant impact on food security, water resources and biodiversity. Above all, Indian policy makers are concerned about the prospect of unilateral action on geoengineering by developed nations.
We examine in this article potential governance arrangements for geo-engineering technologies.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: UNFCCC V, Adoption of the Paris Agreement, I: Proposal by the President (Draft Decision), United Nations Office, Geneva, Switzerland, 2015.
Anderson, K. and Peters, G., The trouble with negative emissions. Science, 2016, 354, 182–183.
Literature cited 2: Peters, G., Should climate policy aim to avoid 2°C or to exceed 2°C? Centre for International Climate Research (CICERO), 2017; http://www.cicero.uio.no/no/posts/klima/should-climate-policyaim-toavoid-2c-or-to-exceed-2c (accessed on 4 May 2017).
Geden, O. and Schäfer, S., Negative emissions: a challenge for climate policy, 2016, 1–4; https://www.ssoar.info/ssoar/bitstream/
handle/document/49822/ssoar-2016-geden_et_al-Negative_emissions_a_challenge_for.pdf?sequence=1