Enter records

ID: 63037
Title: Domestication and conservation efforts in Haematocarpus validus (Miers.) Bakh. f. ex Forman (Menispermaceae): an underutilized fruit species and natural colourant
Author: Pooja Bohra, Ajit Arun Waman, Debabrata Basantia , Hidangmayum Lembisana Devi and Ezekiel Reang
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (6) 1098-1105 (2018)
Subject: Domestication and conservation efforts in Haematocarpus validus (Miers.) Bakh. f. ex Forman (Menispermaceae): an underutilized fruit species and natural colourant
Keywords: Chlorophyll, germination, home garden, liana, Menispermaceae, regeneration, tropical islands.
Abstract: Blood fruit is a promising anti-oxidant rich underutilized fruit species with potential as a natural colourant for food, beverage and handicraft industries. The species has been used for fresh consumption, treating ailments and as a dyeing agent by local people including regional tribes in tropical Asian countries. However, at present, fruits are harvested from the wild and there is considerable scope for promoting their cultivation in homestead gardens. Owing to limited population of the species, seed germination studies were conducted. Treatment of seeds with thiourea (0.1%) or GA3 (1000 mg/l) for 24 h was most congenial for obtaining healthy seedlings in large numbers. To extract chlorophylls and total carotenoids, dimethylsulphoxide was found to be a superior solvent over acetone (80%). Differences in fruit sizes were noticed in fruits grown in two states of India. These findings form the basis for conservation as well as domestication of this multipurpose fruit species in the tropical Asian countries.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Forman, Menispermaceae. Flora Malesiana (ser. I), 1986, 102,157–253. Anonymous, Annual Report for 2013–14, Indian Council of Agricultural Research – Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Port Blair, India.
Literature cited 2: Singh, D. R., Singh, S. and Shajeeda Banu, V., Estimation of phytochemicals and determination of beta carotene in Haematocarpus validus, an underutilized fruit of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Eur. J. Environ. Ecol., 2014, 1(1), 12–15. Rahim, M. A., Khatun, M. J. M., Rahman, M. M., Anwar, M. M. and Mirdah, M. H., Study on the morphology and nutritional status of Roktogota (Haematocarpus validus) – an important medicinal fruit plant of hilly areas of Bangladesh. Int. J. Minor Fruits Med. Arom. Plants, 2015, 1(1), 11–19.

ID: 63036
Title: Entomophagy for nutritional security in India: potential and promotion
Author: Ruparao T. Gahukar
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (6) 1078-1084 (2018)
Subject: Entomophagy for nutritional security in India: potential and promotion
Keywords: Constraints, edible insects, food products, human safety, nutritional security, tribal communities.
Abstract: Entomophagy is practiced on a large scale by the tribal communities in North East India compared to eastern and southern states. Termites, honeybees, grasshoppers, stink bugs, aquatic insects and silkworms are common and preferred insect species because they contain high amount of protein, fat, minerals and vitamins. Silkworms are successfully mass-reared on host plants or laboratory diets for commercial production. Generally, insects meant for food recipes are processed before consumption to improve taste, flavour, palatability and nutritional value which make them comparable with animal products. Thus, entomophagy supports nutritional security and family livelihood of tribal communities during difficult periods of the year. This review discusses risks for human health due to consumption of insects and emphasizes conservation of at least major insect species collected from nature. Regular bioprospecting revealed a few new species but needs validation of their consumption through regulatory framework. This initiative would boost not only the sale in local markets but also may open new vista for export. Holistic approach and intensive efforts are needed to promote entomophagy in regions other than the North East.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Paul, S., Vellaichamy, S., Satyapriya and Singh, P., Nutritional security vis-à-vis food production in India: the strength of agrinutri linkage in retrospect. Curr. Sci., 2018, 114(3), 439–441. Swaminathan, M. S. and Bhavani, R. V., Food production and availability: essential prerequisites for sustainable food security. Indian J. Med. Res., 2013, 138(3), 383–391.
Literature cited 2: NIN (National Institute of Nutrition), Dietary guidelines for Indians: a manual, CSIR, Hyderabad, 2011. Gahukar, R. T., Edible insects farming: efficiency and impact on family livelihood, food security and environment compared to livestock and crops. In Insects as Sustainable Food Ingredients: Production, Processing and Food Applications (eds Dossey, A. T., Morales-Ramos, J. A. and Rojas, M. G.), Elsevier Inc., New York, USA, 2016, pp. 85–111.

ID: 63035
Title: An overview of cleaning and prevention processes for enhancing efficiency of solar photovoltaic panels
Author: Surajit Mondal, Amit Kumar Mondal, Abhishek Sharma, Vindhya Devalla , Sravendra Rana, Suresh Kumar and Jitendra Kumar Pandey
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (6) 1065-1077 (2018)
Subject: An overview of cleaning and prevention processes for enhancing efficiency of solar photovoltaic panels
Keywords: Automated cleaning process, dust, electrodynamic screening, particle removal, solar photovoltaic
Abstract: The energy produced by solar photovoltaic (SPV) modules is directly connected with the solar accessible irradiance, spectral content, different variables like environmental and climatic components. Dust and bird droppings are considered as the real challenges for SPV performance. This article covers dust-related challenges and advanced improvements made on the automated cleaning system, by providing a brief framework on strategies such as mechanical, electrical, chemical and electrostatic. The environmental impact of cleaning processes has also been evaluated, which is directly related to the ultimate performance of overall conversion.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Jacobson, M. Z. and Delucchi, M. A., Providing all global energy with wind, water, and solar power, Part I: technologies, energy resources, quantities and areas of infrastructure, and materials. Energ. Policy, 2011, 39(3), 1154–1169. Good, C., Environmental impact assessments of hybrid photovoltaic–thermal (PV/T) systems – a review. Renew. Sust. Energ. Rev., 2016, 55, 234–239.
Literature cited 2: Akbarzadeh, A. and Wadowski, T., Heat pipe-based cooling systems for photovoltaic cells under concentrated solar radiation. Appl. Therm. Eng., 1996, 16(1), 81–88. Moharram, K. A., Abd-Elhady, M. S., Kandil, H. A. and El-Sherif, H., Enhancing the performance of photovoltaic panels by water cooling. Ain Shams Eng. J., 2013, 4(4):869–877

ID: 63034
Title: Floristic diversity, community composition and structure in Nanda Devi National Park after prohibition of human activities, Western Himalaya, India
Author: Vikram S. Negi, Lalit Giri and K. Chandra Sekar
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (6) 1056-1064 (2018)
Subject: Floristic diversity, community composition and structure in Nanda Devi National Park after prohibition of human activities, Western Himalaya, India
Keywords: Conservation, Nanda Devi National Park, tree regeneration, species diversity, western Himalaya.
Abstract: The present study was carried out to assess floristic diversity, community composition and regeneration status of different forests in Nanda Devi National Park after prohibition of human activities in 1983 with a view to understand the impact of ban and provide a basis for assessing subsequent changes on plant diversity and composition. The comparison of the present study with the earlier studies conducted in 1993 and 2003, indicated positive changes on plant diversity, forest composition and ecological conditions of the National Park. A total of 409 taxa belonging to 203 genera and 71 families (377 Angiosperms, 7 Gymnosperms and 25 Pteridophytes) were documented from the National Park. Two types of forest communities, i.e., Betula utilis along timberline, and mixed forest of Abies spectabilis with B. utilis form the dominant forests inside the National Park. Proportionate distribution of individuals in seedling, sapling and tree layers showed considerable variation in the population structure of different communities. Maximum species richness was observed in Dibrugheta (128) followed by Dharansi (43) and Sarsopatal (34) among the studied alpine meadows of this National Park. The present results could be a pilot to strengthen conservation measures across the Protected Area Network by understanding the impact of the ban on anthropogenic activities, and is also useful for future assessment of floristic diversity and forest composition in the National Park.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: McDonald, R. I. and Boucher, T. M., Global development and the future of the protected area strategy. Biol. Conserv., 2011, 144, 383–392. Schmitz, M. F., Matos, D. G. G. I., Aranzabal, D., Labourdette, R.and Pineda, F. D., Effects of a protected area on land-use dynamics and socioeconomic development of local populations. Biol. Conserv., 2012, 149, 122–135
Literature cited 2: Alcaraz-Segura, D, Cabello, J., Paruelo, J. M. and Delibes, M.,Use of descriptors of ecosystem functioning for monitoring a national park network: a remote sensing approach. Environ. Manage, 2009, 43, 38–48. Rawal, R. S. and Dhar, U., Protected area network in Indian Himalayan region: need for recognizing values of low profile protected areas. Curr. Sci., 2001, 81(2), 175–184.

ID: 63033
Title: Reducing resource disparity in healthcare resource allocation of laboratories in countries with limited resources by empowering policy-making and implementation
Author: Rahi Jain, Himank Ajmera and Bakul Rao
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (6) 1049-1055 (2018)
Subject: Reducing resource disparity in healthcare resource allocation of laboratories in countries with limited resources by empowering policy-making and implementation
Keywords: Developing nations, healthcare, optimization, policy, resource disparity, resource allocation.
Abstract: In resource constraint settings of developing countries like India, inadequate importance and consideration to resource (re)allocation approach causes resource disparity issues. The Indian public health care system has focused on developing rural primary health centres (PHCs) to reduce rural–urban resource disparity and pressure on urban health care facilities. However, all the resources as recommended in national standards for PHCs’ functioning are not completely available in PHCs. Local-level decision-makers are not provided with a policy framework to (re)allocate resources. This study states that empowering local-level decision makers with the ability to (re)allocate resources to reduce resource disparity is critical. The study proposes a new framework for minimizing resource disparity with resource allocation optimization. The study suggests a strategy to improve implementation of policies like the National Rural Health Mission and the National Health Policy. The 42 PHCs in rural areas of Osmanabad District (India) with 23 laboratory technicians (LTs) as resources are considered as a case study to assess the proposed method. The study optimization model showed that reallocating 6 of 23 LTs to different PHCs would reduce disparity in LT workload (from 57.62% to 30.54%) and LT access (from 116.4% to 49.3%). The disparity reduction highlights the impact of resource reallocation according to the proposed framework.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Rao, M., Rao, K. D., Kumar, A. S., Chatterjee, M. and Sundararaman, T., Human resources for health in India. Lancet, 2011,377(9765), 587–598. MoHFW, Rural health statistics, New Delhi, 2013.
Literature cited 2: MoUD, Urban and Regional Development Plans Formulation and Implementation (URDPFI) Guidelines 2015, New Delhi, 2015, vol. I. MoHFW, National Rural Health Mission: Framework for Implementation (2005–2012), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, New Delhi, 2005.

ID: 63032
Title: Uranium constraints in Pakistan: how many nuclear weapons does Pakistan have?
Author: Lalitha Sundaresan and Kaveri Ashok
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (6) 1042-1048 (2018)
Subject: Uranium constraints in Pakistan: how many nuclear weapons does Pakistan have?
Keywords: Fissile materials, highly enriched uranium, nuclear weapons, Pakistan, weapons grade plutonium.
Abstract: It is generally accepted that Pakistan’s nuclear weapons programme relies on domestic supplies of uranium. Although constraints on uranium supply in Pakistan are recognized, this is often not taken into account when estimating the amount of fissile material that Pakistan may have produced. In simple words, most assessments of Pakistan’s fissile materials and arsenal size fail to look at the supply and demand situations in Pakistan in an integrated way. This paper attempts to rectify this lacuna by taking a combined look at the supply and demand situations for uranium in Pakistan. It specifically addresses issues of how shortages in supply or increases in demand will affect the allocation of available uranium resources for meeting various military and civilian needs.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Zia Mian, A., Nayyar, H. and Rajaraman, R., Exploring uranium resource constraints on fissile material production in Pakistan. Sci. Global Secur., 2009, 17(2–3), 77–108. Pakistan does not report its Uranium production figures to IAEA or to any other International Agency. The OECD Red Book provides their estimates of the Uranium production in Pakistan.
Literature cited 2: Pakistan, IAEA Country Nuclear Profile; https://cnpp.iaea.org/countryprofiles/Pakistan/Pakistan.htm. Fuel Cycle Calculations, Appendix Chapter 4, in The Future of Nuclear Power, MIT Press, 2003, pp. 118–119

ID: 63031
Title: Comparison of stress azimuth data derived by geogenic electromagnetic radiation technique and from the analysis of exhumation joints
Author: Sreeja Das, Jyotirmoy Mallik, Ayanangshu Das, Krishanu Bandyopadhyay
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (6) 1039-1041 (2018)
Subject: Comparison of stress azimuth data derived by geogenic electromagnetic radiation technique and from the analysis of exhumation joints
Keywords: Comparison, stress, azimuth data, geogenic electromagnetic radiation technique, exhumation joints
Abstract: During the last decade, considerable progress has been made to understand the cause and nature of electromagnetic emission anomalies that precede major earthquakes. Based on field measurements using a portable instrument, the preferred orientations of geogenic electromagnetic radiation (EMR), especially the principal directions of radiation have been proved to be reproducible and are related to the stress field of the lithosphere.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Bahat, D., Rabinovitch, A. and Frid, V., Environ. Eng. Geosci., 2006, 12, 287–288. Morgounov, V. A. and Malzev, S. A., Tectonophysics, 2007, 431, 61–72.
Literature cited 2: Lichtenberger, M., J. Struct. Geol., 2005, 27, 2150–2158. Lichtenberger, M., Neues Jahrb. Geol. Palaontol. Abh., 2006, 238, 279–312.

ID: 63030
Title: India’s struggle with manpower shortages in the primary healthcare sector
Author: Dilip Saikia
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (6) 1033-1034 (2018)
Subject: India’s struggle with manpower shortages in the primary healthcare sector
Keywords: India’s struggle, manpower shortages,primary healthcare sector
Abstract: India, after failing to achieve most of the health-related targets of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015, has made a commitment to achieve another set of health-related targets (a total of nine targets under Goal 3) including ‘universal health coverage’ (UHC) laid down by the sustainable development goals (SDGs) to be achieved by 2030. The achievement of the UHC and other health-related SDG targets is contingent on the availability and quality of public health services at primary, secondary and tertiary care levels. However, all is not well with the public health sector in India, especially at the primary care level.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: The World Health Report 2000, World Health Organisation. High Level Expert Group Report on Universal Health Coverage for India, Planning Commission, 2011.
Literature cited 2: Joint Learning Initiative (JLI), Human Resources for Health: Overcoming the Crisis, The President and Fellows of Harvard College, USA, 2004. The World Health Report 2006, World Health Organisation, Geneva.

ID: 63029
Title: Comprehensive Remote Sensing, Volume 9: Applications for Societal Benefits.
Author: Shunlin Liang, Stephen J. Walsh. Elsevier, Waltham, reviewed by Ranganath Navalgund
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (5) 988-988 (2018)
Subject: Sensing, Volume 9: Applications for Societal Benefits.
Keywords: Comprehensive Remote Sensing, Societal benefits
Abstract: Remote sensing (RS) refers to the science of sensing an object without being in physical contact with it. This is achieved by placing sensors onboard a spacecraft, aircraft, a balloon or an unmanned aerial vehicle, which detect reflected and/or emitted radiation from objects/earth surface features in different spectral regions. Data thus obtained are analysed to identify and characterize the earth surface features. The basic premise is that every object/earth surface feature reflects and/or emits electromagnetic radiation differently at different wavelengths.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1:
Literature cited 2:

ID: 63028
Title: Effect of temperature on minor invertebrate predator reduviid Isyndus heros (Fab.) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)
Author: Rakshitha Mouly T. N. Shivananda and Abraham Verghese
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (5) 983-986 (2018)
Subject: Effect of temperature on minor invertebrate predator reduviid Isyndus heros (Fab.) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)
Keywords: Abiotic factors, biocontrol agents, mango orchard, reduviid predator.
Abstract: Reduviid predators are the largest terrestrial bugs considered to be potential biocontrol agents and an integral part of integrated pest management (IPM). Despite the rich fauna of reduviids and their prey records, potential studies on reduviid are relatively meagre. Understanding the biotic and abiotic factors influencing the reduviid population is essential to exploit them as biocontrol agents in agriculture. Hence the present study was aimed at determining the abundance of reduviid, Isyndus heros in an organic mango orchard and to determine the impact of abiotic factors on its occurrence. The peak population of reduviids was found during the initial flowering phase (January) and vegetative phase (September–December). Correlation matrix showed that there was a significant positive correlation of between the population of I. heros and relative humidity, and significant negative correlation between maximum and minimum temperatures. Further, the significant variables were regressed, and the highest coefficient of determination was found in maximum temperature (R2 = 0.62) with a single weather factor. However, multiple regression analysis revealed that the maximum and minimum temperatures could explain the variability up to 49%. This forms a baseline for the conservation and augmentation of reduviids that can be utilized as potential biocontrol agents in IPM programmes.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: http://www.cirrusimage.com/bugs_assassin_zelus_luridus.htm (accessed on 9 September 2016). Capriles, J. M., Systematic Catalogue of the Reduviidae of the World (Insecta: Heteroptera), University of Puerto Rico, 1990, p. 694.
Literature cited 2: Ambrose, D. P., A checklist of Indian assassin bugs (Insecta: Hemiptera: Reduviidae) with taxonomic status, distribution and diagnostic morphological characteristics. Zoos Print J., 2006, 21, 2388–2406. Sahayaraj, K., Reduviids and their merits in biological control. In Basic and Applied Aspects of Biopesticides, Springer India, 2014, pp. 195–214.

ID: 63027
Title: Preparation of nanosized bioapatite by cryogenic grinding from sintered scales of silver carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix (Cuvier and Valenciennes)
Author: Ravneet, Gaurav Verma, Bandu Matiyal and Neha Thakur
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (5) 977-982 (2018)
Subject: Preparation of nanosized bioapatite by cryogenic grinding from sintered scales of silver carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix (Cuvier and Valenciennes)
Keywords: Bioapatite, biogenic source, cryogenic grinding, fish scales, sintering.
Abstract: The present study is based on the processing of bioapatite (BAp) of sintered fish scales, i.e., heat treated fish scales at 900°C, by the cryogenic grinding technique. It shows that BAp formed by cryogenic grinding of sintered fish scales became purer and nanosized. Earlier studies had reported that nanosized bioapatite increases the resorbability and bioactivity for tissue replacement and regeneration like bones and dental tissues of human beings. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy of sintered fish scale BAp confirmed the presence of tetracalcium phosphate with Ca/P ratio of 1.97. Field emission scanning electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering (DLS) showed microsized particles. The sintered fish scales when cryoground showed the formation of nanosized particles as revealed by transmission electron microscopy and DLS. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results of sintered and cryoground BAp had similar functional groups, but cryoground BAp showed greater purity.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Supova, M. and Suchy, T., Bio-nanoceramics and bio-nanocomposites. In Handbook of Nanoceramic and Nanocomposite Coatings and Materials (eds Makhlouf, A. and Scharnweber, D.), Elsevier, Butterworth-Heinemann, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 2015, pp. 29–58. Scalera, F., Influence of the calcinations temperature on morphological and mechanical properties of highly porous hydroxyapatite scaffolds. Ceram. Int., 2013, 39, 4839–4846.
Literature cited 2: Mondal, S., Mondal, B., Dey, A. and Mukhopadhyay, S. S., Studies on processing and characterization of hydroxyapatite biomaterials from different biowastes. J. Miner. Mater. Character. Eng., 2012, 11, 55–67. Iwamoto, T., Hieda, Y. and Kogai, Y., Effect of hydroxyapatite surface morphology on cell adhesion. Mater. Sci. Eng. C, 2016, 69, 1263–1267.

ID: 63026
Title: Application of ICP-MS technique for analysis of heavy metals in LD slag fines
Author: Shrenivas Ashrit, Ravikrishna V. Chatti , S. Sarkar, R. Venugopal and G. Udayabhanu Nair
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (5) 973-977 (2018)
Subject: Application of ICP-MS technique for analysis of heavy metals in LD slag fines
Keywords: Heavy metals, LD slag, mass spectrometry, fires, steel making.
Abstract: Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is a powerful tool for analysing trace metals in environmental samples, industrial wastes and samples of biogenic nature. In the present study, this technique has been used to analyse the content of heavy metals in trace levels which specifically include elements like lead, cadmium, selenium and arsenic in LD slag fines. LD slag is the waste generated during the Linz–Donawitz steel making process or the basic oxygen furnace process. LD slag fines in the size range 0–6 mm are obtained after the recovery of metallic iron by means of physical separation in waste recycling plants and are mostly recycled in sinter-making process. The non-metallic portion of LD slag fines is generally used as an aggregate in road construction, in acid mine drainage treatment and as an acidic soil conditioner. All these applications require a thorough analysis of trace and heavy metals as they can leach and penetrate into the soil and potentially contaminate it. The present study addresses this issue by analysing heavy metals in traces levels using ICP-MS. The analysis reveals that most of the heavy and hazardous elements are present in very low concentrations in the slag itself when compared with the EPA maximum allowed concentration in the leachate samples. However, the concentration of mercury in LD slag is more than the limit set by EPA in the leachate, and leachability of mercury needs to be studied further. The study also reveals that there are traces of platinum and palladium in the slag, indicating the requirement of future studies to understand their economic recovery.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Ashrit, S., Banerjee, P. K., Ghosh, T. K., Rayasam, V. and Nair, U. G., Characterisation of LD slag fines by X-ray diffraction. Metall. Res. Technol., 2015, 112, 502. Mahieux, P. Y., Aubert, J. E. and Escadeillas, G., Utilization of weathered basic oxygen furnace slag in the production of hydraulic road binders. Constr. Build. Mater., 2009, 23, 742–747.
Literature cited 2: Xue, Y., Wu, S., Hou, H. and Zha, J., Experimental investigation of basic oxygen furnace slag used as aggregate in asphalt mixture. J. Hazard. Mater., 2006, 138, 261–268. Wu, S., Xue, Y., Ye, Q. and Chen, Y., Utilization of steel slag as aggregates for stone mastic asphalt (SMA) mixtures. Build. Environ., 2007, 42, 2580–2585

ID: 63025
Title: Applications of two-dimensional seismic tomography for subsurface cavity and dissolution features detection under Doon valley, NW Himalaya
Author: A. K. Mahajan
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (5) 962-969 (2018)
Subject: Applications of two-dimensional seismic tomography for subsurface cavity and dissolution features detection under Doon valley, NW Himalaya
Keywords: Caverns and palaeo-channels, Dehradun Fan, dissolution features, multichannel analysis of surface waves, sub-surface investigations.
Abstract: The presence of natural voids, cavities and paleochannels under the surface hinders the extension of urbanization particularly in the new upcoming cities in the frontal part of the Himalaya. The Doon valley is characterized by such features. In this context, multichannel analysis of surface waves technique is used as a cost-effective solution for investigating subsurface cavities, voids, shallow weathered zones and dissolution features in the Doon valley, NW Himalaya. Given the sensitivity of the deduced shear wave velocity to lithology, clast composition, degree of saturation, velocity distribution to a target depth of 40–50 m is a useful guide to demarcate different erosional/ dissolution features, cavities and palaeo-channels. 2D shear wave velocity data sets have been acquired along several profiles in the upcoming region of the Doon valley. Data processing has been carried out at 50 sites and shear wave velocity and profiles were validated taking into account field observations and bore hole data. The subsurface karst features or palaeo-channels are always a matter of concern to engineers before any development starts, because these features could cause subsidence in the region. Anomalies, that include caverns, dissolution features, and erosional channels etched into the Dehradun Fan sediments at shallow depth, have effectively been identified in the 2D shear wave velocity (Vs) field from >50 sites. The subsurface architecture further suggests variation in tectono-climatic condition and shifting of provenance during the fan building processes.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Thakur, V. C. and Pandey, A. K., Late quaternary tectonic evolution of Dun in fault bend/propagated fold system, Garhwal Sub Himalaya. Curr. Sci., 2004, 87, 1567–1576. Thakur, V. C., Pandey, A. K. and Suresh, N., Late Quaternary–Holocene evolution of dun structure and the Himalayan Frontal Fault zone of the Garhwal Sub-Himalaya, NW India. J. Asian Earth Sci., 2007, 29, 305–319
Literature cited 2: Nakata, T., Geomorphic history and crustal movement of the foothills of the Himalayas. Science Report, Tohoku University, Japan, 7th Ser. Geography, 1972, 22, 39–177. Singh A. K., Prakash B., Mohindra R., Thomas, J. V. and Singvi, A. K., Quaternary alluvial fan sedimentation in the Dehra Dun valley Piggyback basin, NW Himalaya: tectonic and paleoclimatic implications. Basin Res., 2001, 13, 449–471.

ID: 63024
Title: Identification of potential areas for crops
Author: V. Ramamurthy, S. Chattaraj , S. K. Singh and R. P. Yadav
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (5) 955-961 (2018)
Subject: Identification of potential areas for crops
Keywords: Potential areas, commodity specific zones/ areas, relative spread index, relative yield index, land use policy.
Abstract: Identification and delineation of potential areas for different crops, both at country and state level by using available legacy data assumes importance, in order to preserve and conserve these areas to feed the increasing population and future generations. In this direction, a new integrated approach has been developed to identify potential areas for different crops and the same has been validated. Identifying and delineating commodity specific areas/zones, would help in enhancing the productivity and profitability and framing of land use policies.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: GoI, ‘Land Use Statistics at a Glance 2003–04 to 2012–13’ Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India, New Delhi, May 2015. Sanbagavalli, S., Rohini, A., Ganesan, K. and Balasubramanian, T. N., Efficient cropping zones - decadal analysis for major crops in Tamil Nadu. Indian J. Agric. Res., 2002, 36(4), 227–233.
Literature cited 2: Koppad, M. B. and Khan, H. S. S., Farming systems, 1996, 12,1–4. Riquier, J., Bramo, D. and Cornel, J. F., A new system of soil appraisal in terms of actual and potential productivity, FAO – AGL-TESR/70/6, Rome, 1970.

ID: 63023
Title: Cotton crop in changing climate
Author: A. Shikha , P. Maharana, K. K. Singh, A. P. Dimri and R. Niwas
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (5) 948-954 (2018)
Subject: Cotton crop in changing climate
Keywords: Cotton, irrigation, temperature, water.
Abstract: Cotton is a major cash crop of global significance. It has a peculiar and inherent growth pattern with coinciding physiological growth stages. This study is based upon modelling and simulation for Hisar region. Stage-wise water stress has been quantified for three Bt-cotton cultivars with three sowing dates under both irrigated and non-irrigated (rainfed) conditions to assess the most sensitive stage. As per model output, it was observed that, at some stages stress value during excess years remains below 0.3 which is characterized as mild stress, in contrast with drought years where it is above 0.3, impacting potential crop productivity. Thus, rainfall impacts the productivity of cotton even in irrigated semi-arid region. Irrigation measures practiced, could partially alleviate influence of stress. Also, early sowing is found beneficial. The most water-sensitive period is ball formation and maturity stage followed by flowering stage.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
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