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ID: 63007
Title: A comparative study on biodegradation of chlorpyrifos by wild E. coli and Pseudomonas fluorescens bacterial isolates inhabiting different ecosystems of Kashmir valley
Author: Imtiyaz Murtaza, Bushra, Sageera Showkat , Shah Ubaid-Ullah, Omi Laila, Sumyra Majid, Neyiaz A. Dar, Mukhtar Ahmad and Girish Sharma
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (4) 753-758 (2018)
Subject: A comparative study on biodegradation of chlorpyrifos by wild E. coli and Pseudomonas fluorescens bacterial isolates inhabiting different ecosystems of Kashmir valley
Keywords: Bioremediation, chlorpyrifos, E. coli, HPLC, Pseudomonas fluorescens, resistance.
Abstract: Among 1081 naturally occurring wild isolates examined for E. coli and Pseudomonas fluorescens, EC1 (E. coli) from Dal Lake (Srinagar district) and PF1 (P. fluorescens) from soil samples of Ganderbal district showed maximum tolerance (11 mg/ml) towards chlorpyrifos. The high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) based chlorpyrifos (CP) degradation analysis demonstrated that each isolate degraded chlorpyrifos much more efficiently than the reference strain E. coli MTCC-533 used in the current study. The present study suggests that EC1 and PF1 bacterial isolates inhabiting different ecosystems, degrade chlorpyrifos efficiently via genetic determinants and OPP enzymatic system and provide strong basis for development of bioremediation strategies in the area.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Ahn, K. C., Gee, S. J., Kim, K. J., Aronov, P. A. and Vega, H.,Immunochemical analysis of 3-phenoxybenzoic acid, a biomarker of forestry worker exposure to pyrethroid insecticides. Anal. Bio anal. Chem., 2011, 401, 1285–1293. Jamaluddin, H., Zaki, D. M. and Ibrahim, Z., Isolation of metal tolerant bacteria from polluted wastewater. Pertanika. J. Trop. Agric. Sci., 2012, 35, 647–666
Literature cited 2: Sayali, R. N., Annika, A. D., Meeta, B., Jossy, V. and Naresh, C., Isolation, characterization and identification of pesticide tolerating bacteria from garden soil. Eur. J. Exp. Biol., 2012, 2, 1943–1951. Downie and David, Global POPs Policy, The 2001 Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. In Northern Lights against POPs: Combating Toxic Threats in the Arctic (eds Downie, D. and Fenge, T.), Montreal, McGill-Queens University Press, 2003

ID: 63006
Title: Large-scale shoreline undulations and role of self-organization processes
Author: Xiaojing Zhong, Ping Dong and Shenliang Chen
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (4) 729-738 (2018)
Subject: Large-scale shoreline undulations and role of self-organization processes
Keywords: Beach, forcing, power-law, seasonal, self-affinity.
Abstract: This study investigates the large-scale spatial variation behaviour of shoreline changes using the beach profile data along approximately 600 km shoreline around Hainan Island, China. It was found that there exists a power-law relationship between the mean shoreline change variance and the corresponding alongshore scale which holds up to 30 km for the annual shoreline change and reduces to 15 km for the seasonal shoreline change. The spatial and seasonal variations of shoreline azimuth, beach sediment size and wave conditions, and their connection with the shoreline change on different scales were studied. The results suggest that the internal feedback mechanisms between various processes with different spatial scales may be responsible for the observed shoreline change patterns, i.e., the annual shoreline behaviour on spatial scale 5–30 km is likely to be the result of self-organization, while the seasonal waves including tropical cyclones and storms exert dominant control of the morphological patterns at spatial scale of 10–25 km.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Werner, B. T. and Fink, T. M., Beach cusps as self-organized patterns. Science, 1993, 260, 968–971. Garnier, R., Dodd, N., Falqués, A. and Calvete, D., Mechanisms controlling crescentic bar amplitude. J. Geophys. Res., 2010, 115, F02007.
Literature cited 2: Tiessen, M. C. H., Dodd, N. and Garnier, R., Development of crescentic bars for a periodically perturbed initial bathymetry. J. Geophys. Res., 2011, 116, F04016. Dong, P., Chen, Y. Q. and Chen, S. L., Sediment size effects on rip channel dynamics. Coast. Eng., 2015, 124–135.

ID: 63005
Title: Assessing water footprints and virtual water flows in Gomti river basin of India
Author: Santosh S. Mali, D. K. Singh, A. Sarangi and S. S. Parihar
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (4) 721-728 (2018)
Subject: Assessing water footprints and virtual water flows in Gomti river basin of India
Keywords: Economic water productivity, river basin, virtual water flow, water footprint.
Abstract: This article analyses the blue, green and grey water footprints and virtual water flows within the Gomti river basin (GRB) in India. Assessments were made at spatial resolution of agricultural production units (APUs). An APU is a homogeneous spatial unit delineated on the basis of soil type, agro-ecological region and district boundaries. Water footprints of crop production and consumption were compared to arrive at virtual water balance within the GRB. Results show that water footprint of GRB was 12,773 million m3 year–1. Crop production was the largest water consumer accounting for 95.5% of water footprint within the basin. The higher proportion of blue water footprint (47.3%) indicates the dependence of GRB on irrigated agriculture. Contribution of rainfed agriculture to total water footprint was about 11.2%. Considerable portion of blue water is used in the production of low value water-intensive crops. The GRB was assessed as a net virtual water importer, indicating its dependence on the water resources of other river basins; it imports 2945 million m3 virtual water annually. This scenario can be changed if the area allocated to different water-intensive crops is optimized and limited to the extent that meets the consumption needs within the basin, leading to reduction in production surplus of these crops.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Postel, S. L., Daily, G. C. and Ehrlich, P. R., Human appropriation of renewable freshwater. Science, 1996, 271(5250), 785–788. Vorosmarty, C. J. et al., Global threats to human water security and river biodiversity. Nature, 2010, 467, 555–561.
Literature cited 2: UNICEF, FAO and SaciWATERs, Water in India: Situation and Prospects, 2013, p. 91. Hoekstra, A. Y. and Chapagain, A. K., Water footprints of nations: water use by people as function of their consumption pattern. Water Res. Manage, 2007, 21, 35–48.

ID: 63004
Title: Fluorosis is linked to anaemia
Author: Andezhath K. Susheela, Nisith Kumar Mondal, Rashmi Gupta, Mohini Sethi and Ravindra Mohan 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 (4) 692-700 (2018)
Subject: Fluorosis is linked to anaemia
Keywords: Anaemia, fluoride toxicity, school children, treatment procedure.
Abstract: We report here a simple, easy-to-practice treatment procedure for anaemia, by focusing on withdrawal of fluoride consumption and promotion of nutrients through diet. The approach to improve nutrient intake as supplementation of iron and folic acid or iron tonic does not yield beneficial results. The reason being highly destructive F– enters the body through food, water, habit forming substances and dental products destroys the lining of the intestine and prevents absorption of nutrients. Testing of Hb, F– in urine, drinking water and body mass index are necessary to assess the problem. The study was made on 2420 adolescent students from 6 schools in Delhi. F–removal through diet editing and improved nutrients through counselling without prescription of drugs led to correction of anaemia. This treatment procedure is beneficial to pregnant and lactating mothers and patients in hospital OPDs due to ill health issues aggravated due to low Hb/anaemia.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: IIPS, National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4): India. International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, 2015–16. Susheela, A. K., State of art report on the extent of fluoride in drinking water and the resulting endemicity in India. Fluorosis Research and Rural Development Foundation, New Delhi, 1999
Literature cited 2: Susheela, A. K. et al., Effective interventional approach to control anaemia in pregnant women. Curr. Sci., 2010, 98, 1320–1330. Susheela, A. K., Anemia in pregnancy: an easily rectifiable problem. Fluoride, 2010, 4

ID: 63003
Title: Modelling finite and infinite behaviour of cancer stages using Büchi and finite automata
Author: Natasha Singh and Ajay Kumar
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (4) 677-681 (2018)
Subject: Modelling finite and infinite behaviour of cancer stages using Büchi and finite automata
Keywords: Büchi automaton, cancer progression, cell division, doubling, replication.
Abstract: Cancer is an incurable disease in which abnormal cells multiply uncontrollably and infect the surrounding tissues and organs of the body. A Büchi automaton is a finite automaton that operates on infinite input words. This article presents normal cell division and cancer progression using the finite automata and Büchi automaton respectively. It will help in understanding the intricacies of cancer, and can ultimately benefit in designing an effective treatment that can slow down the progression of cancer.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Ribba, B., Alarcón, T., Marron, K., Maini, P. K. and Agur, Z., The use of hybrid cellular automaton models for improving cancer therapy. In Lecture Notes in Computer Science (Sloot, P. M. A., Chopard, B. and Hoekstra, A. G.), Cellular Automata. ACRI 2004. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg, 2004, vol. 3305, pp. 444–453. Hanahan, D. and Weinberg, R. A., Hallmarks of cancer: the next generation. Cell, 2011, 144(5), 646–674.
Literature cited 2: Bowles, J. K. F. and Silvina, A., Model checking cancer automata. IEEE-EMBS Int. Conf. Biomed. Health Inf. (BHI), Las Vegas, NV, USA, 2016, pp. 376–379. Giannakis, K. and Andronikos, T., Use of Büchi automata and randomness for the description of biological processes. Int. J. Sci.World, 2015, 3(1), 113–123

ID: 63002
Title: Quantum dots for solar energy harvesting
Author: Karen Das and Sunandan Baruah
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (4) 659-668 (2018)
Subject: Quantum dots for solar energy harvesting
Keywords: Light harvesting, multiple exciton generation, quantum dots, solar cells, tunable band g
Abstract: Owing to their versatile optical and electrical properties, semiconductor quantum dots are attracting attention as a material of choice for solar energy conversion. The quantum dot sensitized solar cells are considered as one of the most promising next generation solar cells as they have the advantage of tunable band-gap energy and multiple exciton generation. We present here a study on quantum dot sensitized solar cells considering their construction and working, impact of incorporation of nanomaterials in solar cells and various structures for improving the performance of solar cells.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: US Energy Information Administration, International Energy Outlook, 2010. Zhang, Q. and Cao, G., Nanostructured photoelectrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells. Nano Today, 2011, 6, 91–109.
Literature cited 2: Green, M. A. et al., Solar cell efficiency tables (version 37),Prog. Photovolt.: Res. Appl., 2010, 19, 84–92. Bandara, J. and Weerasinghe, H. C., Efficient solid-state dye sensitized solar cells fabricated on a compact TiO2 barrier layer preventing short-circuit current. Sri Lankan J. Phys., 2004, 5, 27–35.

ID: 63001
Title: Site-specific land resource inventory for scientific planning of Sujala watersheds in Karnataka
Author: Rajendra Hegde, K. V. Niranjana, S. Srinivas, B. A. Danorkar and S. K. Singh
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (4) 644-652 (2018)
Subject: Site-specific land resource inventory for scientific planning of Sujala watersheds in Karnataka
Keywords: Digital library, land resource inventory, land resources portal, land resource database analysis and interpretaion, Sujala-III project.
Abstract: Land resource inventory for site-specific planning and development of watersheds on scientific basis under Sujala-III project sponsored by the Watershed Development Department of Karnataka and funded by the World Bank is being implemented in 11 districts covering 9.66 lakh ha across 2531 microwatersheds benefiting 7.02 lakh households in the state. The analysis and interpretation of the spatial and non-spatial database generated so far in 1600 micro watersheds covering 5 lakh ha has revealed that most of the watersheds suffer from major problems. In many watersheds, soil erosion and alkalinity affected even up to 75% of the watershed area, thus reducing the production potential and crop choices. The soils are either moderately or highly suited for growing most of the agricultural and horticultural crops. By interfacing land resource data with RS, GIS and GPS, different management scenarios were analysed to arrive at the best management alternatives (optimum land use plans) that would be most suitable. This data handling system will be useful for making land use decisions and providing proactive advice to farmers on a real time basis protecting the health of natural resources.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Rajendra, H., Natarajan, A. Meena, R. S. Niranjana, K. V. Thayalan, S. and Singh, S. K., Status of soil degradation in an irrigated command area in Chikkaharasinakere Hobli, Mandya district, Karanataka. Curr. Sci., 2015, 108(8), 1501–1511. Soil Survey Staff, Soil Survey Manual, Handbook No. 18, USDA, Washington DC, USA, 2012.
Literature cited 2: Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, National Soil Survey Handbook, Title 430–VI, US Department of Agriculture, Washington DC, USA, 1996. IARI, Soil Survey Manual, All India Soil and Land Use Survey Organization, IARI, New Delhi, 1971, p. 121.

ID: 63000
Title: Geological and geotechnical approach for excavation of large unlined rock cavern
Author: D. Singh, A. Mandal, A. Usmani and A. Nanda
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (4) 638-643 (2018)
Subject: Geological and geotechnical approach for excavation of large unlined rock cavern
Keywords: Geotechnical and geological investigations, cavern, tunnelling, underground excavations, rock.
Abstract: The degree of uncertainty involved in an underground storage project is relatively higher compared to other underground projects. In order to allow for a safe and economical construction of underground rock caverns, continuous updating of the geological and geotechnical model along with adjustment in construction approach is required. Investigations planned during different stages of excavation of the project assist in the identification of various geological features and ground characteristics to ensure robust design of underground structures. Investigation in each stage of the project is planned in line with the time and money available at that stage, along with level of detailing required for different design stages. In order to develop an efficient investigation scheme, it is necessary to assimilate the existing information from one stage before planning for the next stage of investigations. This article highlights the significance of various investigations carried out for one of the strategic storage site in the southern part of India.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Nanda, A., Rath, R. and Usmani, A., Underground storage technology, Engineers India Ltd, New Delhi, 2016. Becker, A. and Davenport, C. A., Contemporary in situ stress determinations at three sites in Scotland and northern England. J. Struct. Geol., 2001, 23(2–3), 407–419.
Literature cited 2: Hoek, E. and Brown, E. T., Underground excavations in rock. Institution of Mining and Metallurgy, London, 1980. Barton, N., Some new Q-value correlations to assist in site char-453 characterization and tunnel design. Int. J. Rock Mech. Min. Sci., 2002, 39(2), 185–216.

ID: 62999
Title: Ultra structure of the compound eyes of the ants – Odontomachus haematodus and Diacamma rugosum
Author: Martin J.Babu and Reshma 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 (4) 624-626 (2018)
Subject: Ultra structure of the compound eyes of the ants – Odontomachus haematodus and Diacamma rugosum
Keywords: Spectacular basalt, Panhala-Masai range,Maharashtra,geoheritage, Deccan traps
Abstract: Diacamma rugosum and Odontomachus haematodus are ants found coexisting locally in different niches like soil litter, forest floor, gardens, etc. Though they differ in size and morphological features, the similarities in their lifestyles and behaviors are striking. They are solitary foragers and prey on a number of arthropods, mainly depending on their visual sensory system1–3. However, foraging periods of these ants differ; O. haematodus forages during day and night, whereas D. rugosum is a daytime ‘hunter gatherer’ species. They construct nests in soil, rotting logs, or even in trees4–9. Sensory strategies adopted by these ants could differ considerably as the light quality changes dramatically from day to night. Both ants are highly visual and rely on their visual repertoire for environmental interface. So, it is logical to presume that such adaptations could reflect in the organization of their compound eyes and visual-sensory areas of the brain. Therefore, we explored the structural features of their compound eye to derive insights into visual sensory adaptations of these ants.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Hölldobler, B. and Wilson, E. O., The Ants, Belknap Press, Cambridge, MA, 1990. Salas-lópez, A. and Mainz, J. G.,Biotropica, 2016, 47, 208–217.
Literature cited 2: Thomas, K. S. and Aswathi, P., J. Biopest., 2012, 5, 188 Wheeler, W. M. and Chapman, J. W., Psyche, 1922, 29, 203–211.

ID: 62998
Title: Occurrence of the new invasive pest, fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), in the maize fields of Karnataka, India
Author: P.C.Ganiger, H.M.yeshwanth, K.Muralimohan, N.Vinay,A.R.V.Kumar, K.Chandrashekhar
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (4) 621-623 (2018)
Subject: Occurrence of the new invasive pest, fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), in the maize fields of Karnataka, India
Keywords: New invasive pest, fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, Lepidoptera, Noctuidae,maize fields of Karnataka, India
Abstract: We report here the occurrence of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in India, which is a devastating pest in American continent on several crops. S. frugiperda is a polyphagous pest that causes significant losses to agricultural crops. The caterpillars feed on leaves, stems and reproductive parts of more than 100 plant species that include maize, rice, sorghum, sugarcane, cabbage, beet, peanut, soybean, alfalfa, onion, tomato, potato and cotton2,3. In Brazil, S. frugiperda causes up to 34% reduction in maize grain yield that amounts to an annual loss of US$ 400 million.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Sparks, A. N., Florida Entomol., 1986, 69(3), 603–614. Pogue, M. G., Mem. Am. Entomol. Soc., 2002, 43, 1–202.
Literature cited 2: CABI, Data sheet. Spodoptera frugiperda (fall army worm). Invasive species compendium, 2016; ttp://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/29810 Lima, M. S., Silva, P. S. L., Oliveira, O. F., Silva, K. M. B. and Freitas, F. C. L.,Planta Daninha, 2010, 28(1), 103–111.

ID: 62997
Title: Food for thought: putting wild edibles back on the table for combating hidden hunger in developing countries
Author: Ajeet Singh, Pradeep Kumar Dubey and P. C. Abhilash
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (4) 611-613 (2018)
Subject: Food for thought: putting wild edibles back on the table for combating hidden hunger in developing countries
Keywords: Food for thought, wild edibles, hidden hunger, developing countries
Abstract: Agrobiodiversity is crucial for feeding the rapidly growing human population and also for attaining the UN Sustainable Development Goals such as no poverty, zero hunger and good health and well-being for one and all, as the 2030 agenda for sustainable development. Agrobiodiversity is also imperative for dietary diversification, and for breeding the next generation of climate-smart crops for futuristic conditions. Here we discuss the importance of wild crop plants for the food and nutritional security in the developing world.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Godfray, H. C. et al., Science, 2010, 327, 812–818. Mozaffarian, D., Lancet, 2011, 378, 759
Literature cited 2: Singh, A. and Abhilash, P. C., J. Clean Prod., 2018, 172, 1368–1369 Wake, B., Nature Climate Change, 2012,2, 566

ID: 62996
Title: A damage constitutive model for the intermittent cracked rock mass under the planar complicated stress condition
Author: Hongyan Liu and Fengjin Zhu
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (3) 559-565 (2018)
Subject: A damage constitutive model for the intermittent cracked rock mass under the planar complicated stress condition
Keywords: Damage, intermittent cracked rock mass, planar complicated stress condition, stress intensity factor, strain energy density criterion.
Abstract: The calculation of rock mass damage induced by the intermittent crack is the premise for establishment of the rock mass damage constitutive model (DCM). However, there are two shortcomings in the previous calculation methods of the rock mass damage: (a) it only considers the crack geometry or strength parameters and does not consider its deformation parameter such as normal and shear stiffness; and (b) the influence of loading condition of the rock mass is not considered. This study focuses on intermittent cracked rock mass under the planar complicated stress condition and calculates its damage tensor. The proposed calculation method of rock mass damage considers the crack parameter such as length, dip angle, internal friction angle, normal and shear stiffness (internal factor) as well as the loading condition (external factor). The corresponding DCM for the intermittent cracked rock mass is then set up. The calculation examples validate that the proposed model can reflect the influence of crack parameter and loading condition on the rock mass mechanical behaviour.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Wang, T. T. and Huang, T. H., A constitutive model for the deformation of a rock mass containing sets of ubiquitous joints. Int. J. Rock Mech. Min. Sci., 2009, 46(3), 521–530. Wang, T. T. and Huang, T. H., Anisotropic deformation of a circular tunnel excavated in a rock mass containing sets of ubiquitous joints: theory analysis and numerical modeling. Rock Mech. Rock Eng., 2014, 47(2), 643–657.
Literature cited 2: Tokiwa, T. et al., Influence of a fault system on rock mass response to shaft excavation in soft sedimentary rock, Horonobe area, northern Japan. Int. J. Rock Mech. Min. Sci., 2011, 48(5), 773–781. Sari, M., The stochastic assessment of strength and deformability characteristics for a pyroclastic rock mass. Int. J. Rock Mech. Min. Sci., 2009, 46(3), 613–626.

ID: 62995
Title: Response of fast ice to ground penetrating radar and backscattering coefficient from scatterometer in Larsemann Hills, East Antarctica
Author: Rajashree Vinod Bothale, S. Anoop, Manne Gopaiah and Mehanaz Sherief
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (3) 552-558 (2018)
Subject: Response of fast ice to ground penetrating radar and backscattering coefficient from scatterometer in Larsemann Hills, East Antarctica
Keywords: Antarctica, ASCAT, fast ice, GPR, Larsemann Hil
Abstract: The study presents inter-annual variations in the backscatter response of fast ice (sea ice attached to the coast) to C band Advanced Scatterometer (ASCAT) (2012–2016). It also analyses the Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) observations collected during the 35th Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica (ISEA, 2015–16) for identification of different fast ice features and to measure fast ice depth in the Larsemann Hills area, East Antarctica. Apart from clear demarcation of features like melt water channels, frozen icebergs within fast ice and underlying topography near island, GPR provided fast ice depth information, which was used to understand backscatter response. The seasonal variations of C band backscatter were caused due to changes in snow thickness, time of freezing and sporadic melt/freeze events apart from summer melt. The backscatter response to NOAA high resolution blended daily sea surface temperature (SST) variations indicate that sudden rise/fall in backscatter during winter is probably due to sporadic melt/freeze events caused by rise/fall in SST. The results show volumetric contribution from sheet ice and domination of snow metamorphism towards increase in backscatter over fast ice. This study highlights the importance of monitoring backscatter response of fast ice to determine its state and condition. Depending on the characteristics of backscatter inter-annual curve, information about time of freeze up, melt season, ice build-up, and sporadic freeze/ thaw events can be inferred which play an important role in the energy budget of Antarctica.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: ATCM XXXVII final report, 2014, Larsemann Hills, East Antarctica Antarctic Specially Managed Area Management Plan. Measure 15, Annex. Shah, M. Y., Ayemi, K. K. and Shrivastava, P. K., GPR survey and physical measurements of sea ice in quilty Bay, Larsemann Hills, East Antarctica and its correlation with local atmospheric parameters. J. Geol. Soc. India, 2017, 90, 371–377
Literature cited 2: Massom et al., Snow on Antarctic fast ice. Rev. Geophys., 2001, 39(3), 413–445. Mortin, J., Howell, S., Wang, L., Derksen, C., Svensson, G., Graversens, R. and Schroder, T. M., Extending the QuikSCAT record of seasonal melt–freeze transitions over Arctic sea ice using ASCAT. Remote Sensing Environ., 2014, 141, 214–230.

ID: 62994
Title: Contrasting observation in culturable aerobic and micro-aerophilic heterotrophic fish gut-bacteria: intestine-breathing Lepidocephalichthys guntea (Hamilton Buchannan) versus gill-breathing Labeo rohita
Author: Rudra Prasad Roy, Tilak Saha and Ranadhir Chakraborty
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (3) 548-552 (2018)
Subject: Contrasting observation in culturable aerobic and micro-aerophilic heterotrophic fish gut-bacteria: intestine-breathing Lepidocephalichthys guntea (Hamilton Buchannan) versus gill-breathing Labeo rohita
Keywords: Dissolved oxygen, gut bacteria, Labeo rohita, Lepidocephalichthys guntea.
Abstract: Lepidocephalichthys guntea exhibits exceptional adaptive characters and can survive in flowing or stagnant waters as well as muddy hypercarbic condition resembling a desiccating habitat. This study was conducted to relate aerophilic (both aerobic and microaerophilic) bacterial density in the gut of L. guntea with dissolved oxygen (DO2) content. Aerophilic bacterial density in the gut of L. guntea was found independent of DO2 content, as the air pocket(s) present in the gut balances the deficit of oxygen obtained through gill respiration. This phenomenon was found to be reversed in gill-breathing fish like Labeo rohita because the additional mechanism to breathe air via gut is absent. The density of both the categories of culturable aerophilic bacteria was found to be significantly reduced in the gut of L. rohita gut in low DO2 condition of its habitat.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Das, B. K., Some further observation of the structure and physiology of an air-breathing loach Lepidocepahlus (Lepidocephalichthys) guntea (Ham. Buch) found in Hydrabad. In Proceeding of the 24th Indian Science Congress, Hyderabad, 1937, p. 305. Mishra, K. P. and Ahamad, M. F., On the structural adaptation of an intestinal breather Lepidocephalichthys guntea (Ham.), a torrential loach. Curr. Sci., 1986, 55(4), 210–211.
Literature cited 2: Moitra, A., Sing, O. N. and Munshi, J. S. D., Microanatomy and cytochemistry of the gastro-respiretory tract of an air-breathing cobitidid fish Lepidocephalichthys guntea. Jpn. J. Ichthyol., 1989, 36, 227–231. Singh, B. R., Yadav, A. N., Ojha, J. and Munshi, J. S. D., Gross structure and dimensions of the gills of an intestinal air breathing fish (Lepidocephalichthys guntea). Copeia, 1981, 1, 224–229

ID: 62993
Title: Development of a model for detection of saline blanks amongst mangrove species on hyperspectral image data
Author: Somdatta Chakravortty and Dipanwita Ghosh
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (3) 541-548 (2018)
Subject: Development of a model for detection of saline blanks amongst mangrove species on hyperspectral image data
Keywords: Saline blanks, hyperspectral data, mangroves, derivative analysis
Abstract: In this study we apply hyperspectral imagery to identify saline blank patterns within the mixed mangrove forest of Sunderban Bio-geographic Province, West Bengal, India. We use derivative analysis to identify hyperspectral wavelengths that are sensitive to the presence of minerals comprising saline blanks. These wavelengths have been considered for development of a novel saline blank identification model. The wavelength showing derivative value with maximum absorption in the SWIR region at 1780 nm and maximum reflection in the red region at 690 nm has been extracted for development of saline blank index. This index has been compared with the existing salinity indices and a detailed analysis has been carried out. It is found that the index outperforms existing salinity indices – normalized differential salinity index and salinity index, and accurately detects the saline blank areas of Henry Island of the Sunderbans Delta. The accuracy of pixels identified as saline blank pixels has been assessed by comparing the overall accuracy with other existing indices. Physical sampling has also been carried out and the salinity results have been compared with the image-derived results.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
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