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ID: 62527
Title: Risk factors in childhood stunting in Karnataka, India, vary by geography
Author: Srilakshmi M.Raj, Ruwanthi Ekanayake, Kiera Crowley, Meenakshi Bhat, Jayarama Kadandale and Prabhu L.Pingalai
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 121 (4) 502-510 (2021)
Subject: Risk factors in childhood stunting in Karnataka, India, vary by geography
Keywords: Childhood stunting in Karnataka, environment, genetics, nutrition, public health
Abstract: Childhood stunting remains a public health concern in India. In Karnataka, the districts vary substantially in stunting prevalence. Using the NFHS-4 and AidData GEO datasets, we tested the hypothesis that ‘wet’ and ‘dry’ districts in Karnataka show different contributions to stunting. We found that for 30 environmental and health factors, Bengaluru appears to be distinct from the other districts. Using a mixed linear model approach, we found that for the entire state, and in both wet and dry districts, preceeding birth interval, altitude-adjusted haemoglobin level and child age showed significant correlations with height for age (HFA). The wet districts showed an additional association between maternal age and child HFA. However, interaction effects also different among the three conditions. Our results suggest that subtle variations should not be ignored when considering factors impacting child health outcomes.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Bhutta, Z.A. et al., Vidence-based interventions for improvement of maternal and child nutrition: What can be done and at what cost? Lancet, 2013, 382, 452-477. Malnutrition in Children-UNICEF data, 2021; https://data.unicef.org/topic/nutrition/malnutrition/ (accessed on 10July 2021).
Literature cited 2: Menon, P. Headey, D., Avula, R. and Nguyen, P.H., Understanding the geographical hurden of stunting in India: a regression decomposition analysis of district-level data from 2015-Matern. Child Nutr, 2018, e12620. Pingali, P., Aiyar, A., Abraham, M. and Rahman, A., Transforming Food Systems for a Rising India, Palgrave Macmillan, 2019, 1st edn.

ID: 62526
Title: Use of tree cavities by Indian vertebrates: status of research, knowledge gaps and future conservation perspectives
Author: Bharati Patel, Sreejith Sivaraman and Peroth Balakrishanan
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 121 (4) 490-501 (2021)
Subject: Use of tree cavities by Indian vertebrates: status of research, knowledge gaps and future conservation perspectives
Keywords: Cavity-trees, ecological networks, tree cavity, tree-microhabitat, tropical forests, vertebrates
Abstract: Tree cavities play a key role in the structure and functioning of forest ecosystems. Though they host rich and specialized assemblages of numerous vertebrate and invertebrate species, they have received limited research attention in India as well as in tropics. We collated information on cavity using vertebrates of India from the available literature and various data-bases. Overall, 254 relevant references were found with information about tree and/or cavity characteristics and use for 517 species, which is about 18.4% of terrestrial vertebrate species of India. Among the 517 species, 43.9% were birds, followed by reptiles (30.8%), mammals (17.6%) and amphibians (7.7%), and the majority of them are rare, elusive and nocturnal species restricted to different regions/habitats. About 80% of the species are secondary users. Majority of the species use tree cavities are breeding sites (32.7%), and another 7.4% use them as roost, den or hibernation sites .Our analysis also shows that vertebrates use cavities with various characteristics in a wide variety of tree species. We have identified important gaps in research on cavity using vertebrates and cavity-trees. We have also emphasized the need for highly focused long-term studies on habitat interactions to elucidate species level requirements to plan habitat management strategies for the conservation of cavity using vertebrates and their cavity-trees.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Kessler, M and Lehnert, M., Are ridge habitats special sites for endemic plants in tropical montane rain forests? A case study of pteridophytes in Ecuador. Folia Geobot., 2009, 44, 387-398 Tews, J., Brose, U., Grimm, V., Tielborger, K., Wichmann, M., Schwager, M. and Jeltsch, F., Animal species diversity driven by habitat heterogeneity/diversity: the importance of keystone structures. J. Biogeogr., 2004, 31, 79-92.
Literature cited 2: Bull, E., The value of coarse woody debris to vertebrates in the Pacific Northwest, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service General Technical Report,PSW-GTR-181, 2002, pp.171-178; https://www.fs.fed.us/psw/publications/documents/psw-gtr181/016_Bull.pdf ( accessed on 13 December 2017). Newton, A.C., Forest Ecology and Conservation: A Handbook of Techniques, Oxford University Press, USA, 2010, p.454.

ID: 62525
Title: Conservation of hangul, Cervus hanglu-paving the way ahead
Author: Tanushree Srivastava and Karthikeyan Vasudevan
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 121 (4) 485-489 (2021)
Subject: Conservation of hangul, Cervus hanglu-paving the way ahead
Keywords: Assisted reproductive technologies, cervus hanglu, conservation breeding, endangered species, genetic diversity, reproductive biology.
Abstract: Hangul Cervus hanglu is the only red deer species in India distributed in the Kashmir Himalaya. A population of only 200-odd is currently surviving in the wild due to a variety of threats since prehistoric times. Given the critical nature of this population, use of multifaceted approaches and technologies along with addressing the prerequisites to a successful conservation breeding programme, remains crucial to enhance the reproductive biology and dietary niche of wild population, generated through the ongoing work would speed up the species conservation efforts.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Geptner, V.G., In Mlekopitayushchie Sovetskogo Soyuza, Vol., 1: Parnokoptnye i neparnokopytyne (Mammals of Sovlet Union, Vol1: Aritodactyles and Perissodactyles), Vysshaya Shkola, Moscow, Russia, 1961, pp. 121-172. Nikolsky, A.A.Zvukovye signaly mlekopitayushchikh v evolyutsionnom protsesse (Auditory Signals of Mammals in Evolutionary Process), Nauka, Moscow, Russia, 1984.
Literature cited 2: Sun, J., Zhang, L., Deng, C., Zhu, R., Evidence for enhanced aridity in the Tarim Basin of China since 5.3Ma.Quaternary Sci. Rev., 2008, 27, 1012-1023; doi.org/10.1016/j.quascirev.2008.01.001. Geist, V., Deer of the World: Their Evolution, Behaviour, and Ecology, Stackpole Books, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, USA, 1998.

ID: 62524
Title: Reproductive features of ornamental caridean shrimps under captive condition
Author: Sheena Jose, P.Purushothaman, T.T.Anith Kumar, Kuldeep Kumar Lal
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 121 (4) 479-484 (2021)
Subject: One big science project or 1000 smaller ones?
Keywords: Big and small science, Nobel Prize, cost-benefit analysis, socio-economic merits
Abstract: Historical experiences show that big science projects such as Manhattan, Apollo, LHC and the Human Genome Project often need large investment and inevitably consume significant socio-economic resources, whereas small science projects need only small investment. While most big science projects are based on known scientific principles, smaller ones explore unknowns that may result in breakthroughs, some of which may lead to Nobel Prizes. Closing one big science project may afford 1000 small science projects quantitatively. As such, decision-making on a big science project is not only a scientific issue, but also a socio-economic one. Based on the cost-benefit analysis of LHC (big science) and CNAO (small science), we found that small science projects have a higher benefit/cost ratio. At least three policy effects need to be considered: (1) Decision on investing in a big science project should consider both scientific and socio-economic merits. (2) Small science projects could be more effective than bigger ones in exploring the scientific frontier. (3) Replacing one big science project with many small science ones might benefit the scientific enterprise.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Price, D.J., Little Science, Big Science...and Beyond, Columbia University Press, New York, 1986. Penrose, R., The Road to Reality: A Complete Guide to the Laws of the Universe, Jonathan Cape, London, 2004.
Literature cited 2: Gibney, E., Inside the plans for Chinese mega-collider that will dwarf the LHC. Nature, 2018. Group CEPCP-DS, The CEPC input for the European Strategy for Particle Physics-Physics and detector, 2019.

ID: 62523
Title: Reproductive features of ornamental caridean shrimps under captive condition
Author: Sheena Jose, P.Purushothaman, T.T.Anith Kumar, Kuldeep Kumar Lal
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 121 (4) 476-478 (2021)
Subject: Reproductive features of ornamental caridean shrimps under captive condition
Keywords: Reproductive features, ornamental caridean shrimps
Abstract: Caridean shrimps are a large diverse group of the order Decapoda comprising more than 3500 valid species. They are widely distributed from fresh to marine waters with an extensive range of habitats and reproductive features. Many species of caridean are commercially important to fishery sector, being used for human consumption. Some of them have been used in the ornamental trade as an aquarium pet, due to their attractive colours, bizarre morphology and displaying peculiar behaviour with other organisms.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: De Grave, S. and Fransen, C.H.J.NM., Zool.Med.Leiden, 2011, 85 (9), 195-589. WoRMS, Decapoda, http://www.marine-species.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id+1130 (accessed on 11 May 2021.).
Literature cited 2: Bauer, R.T., Remarkable Shrimps: Natural History and Adaptations of the Carideans, University of Oklahoma Press, 2004, vol.7, pp.1-316. Hultgren Kristin, M. and Emmett Duffy, J., Ecol. Lett., 2012, 15 (7), 704-713; https://doi.org/10.1111/j1461-0248.2012.01788.x

ID: 62522
Title: Gymnocolea (Dumort) Dumort (Anastrophyllaceae, Marchantiophyta)-a genus new to India
Author: Richa Arya, Manisha Bhandari, S.D.Tewari, Prachi Joshi
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 121 (4) 475-476 (2021)
Subject: Gymnocolea (Dumort) Dumort (Anastrophyllaceae, Marchantiophyta)-a genus new to India
Keywords: Gymnocolea, Anastrophyllaceae, Marchantiophyta
Abstract: While studying the bryophytic vegetation of different forest types along an altitudinal gradient ranging from 500 to 2100 m in Nainital district, Uttarakhand, Western Himalaya, India, we came across an unique leafy liverwort Gymnocolea (Dumort) Dumort. The name ‘Gymnocolea’ refers to the exposed position of the perianth exserted well above the two spreading bracts. The presently reported leafy liverwort was found colonizing the shaded, mesic, basal side of Shorea robusta tree trunks in a west-facing Sal Forest area (29°19`1” N, 79°31`3” E; 691 m) along the Kathgodam-Ranibagh Road. Based on a survey of the literature regarding the occurrence and distribution of this Anastrophyllaceous leafy liver-wort from 1932 till the present, it was concluded that this species has never been documented earlier from any part of the country. Here we report its occurrence in India from the Kumaun region of Western Himalaya.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Watson, E.V., British Mosses and Liverworts, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK, 1955. Kashyap, S.R. and Chopra, R.S., Liverworts of the Western Himalaya and the Punjab Plain. II, Lahore, 1932, p. 137.
Literature cited 2: Udar, R.Bryology of India, Chronica Botanica, New Delhi, 1976, p. 200. Parihar, N.S., Lal, B. and Katiyar, N., Hepatics and Anthocerotes of India –A New Annotated Checklist, Central Book Depot, Allahabad, 1994.

ID: 62521
Title: Drosophila ananassae: an interesting biological model
Author: B.N.Singh
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 121 (4) 465-466 (2021)
Subject: Drosophila ananassae: an interesting biological model
Keywords: Drosophila ananassae, biological model
Abstract: The genus Drosophila belongs to the family Drosophilidae, order Diptera and class insecta. This genus has substantial species diversity at global level and a number of species are also characterized by sufficient degree of genetic diversity when studied at different levels: chromosome, allozyme and DNA. At global level, there are more than 1500 species including Hawaiian species which are unique for evolutionary studies. In the genus, D.melanogaster is most commonly used in various kinds of studies beginning from T.H.Morgan in 1909.These areas include genetics, cytogenetics, behaviour, evolution, ecology, molecular biology, etc.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Singh, B.N., Genetica, 1996, 97, 321-332. Singh B.N., Curr. Sci., 2000, 78, 391-398.
Literature cited 2: Singh, B.N., Curr., Sci., 2019.117, 761-775. Singh, B.N., J. Genet, 2020, 99, 12.

ID: 62520
Title: Fish Nutrition and its relevance to Human Health
Author: R.Dhanze and S.T. Indulkar; reviewed by A.D. Diwan
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 121 (3) 435-436 (2021)
Subject: Fish Nutrition and its relevance to Human Health
Keywords: Fish Nutrition, relevance, Human Health
Abstract: Fisheries sector has a crucial role in nutrition and global food security, as it represents a valuable source of nutrients and micronutrients of fundamental importance for diversified and healthy diets. Public awareness of these health benefits has been growing in recent years, amid a broader trend of increasing health consciousness among consumers, particularly in middle-income group of the community. In less developed countries, the importance of fish as a food group is enhanced by the fact that fish contains many of the vitamins and minerals required to address some of the most severe and widespread nutritional deficiencies.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1:
Literature cited 2:

ID: 62519
Title: Transformation of arsenic by indigenous soil microbes as affected by phosphorus and arsenic
Author: Suvo Kr.Das and Shaon Kumar Das
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 121 (3) 428-434 (2021)
Subject: Transformation of arsenic by indigenous soil microbes as affected by phosphorus and arsenic
Keywords: Arsenic, bioaccumulation, Citrobacter, phosphorus, Pseudomonas
Abstract: Highly arsenic-polluted soil (16.5 mg kg-1) of West Bengal, India, was used for isolation, screening and identification of indigenous soil microbes. Citribacter koseri significantly removed ( 7.6) and bioaccumulated ( 4.95) highest arsenic in P15AS15 treatment, while loss (2.9) was higher in P10AS15 .Similarly, Pseudomonas putida significantly removed ( 7.4) and bioaccumulate ( 4.8) highest As in P15As15 and while loss ( 2.8) was higher in P10AS15.Percentage removal of As was 47-59, bioaccumulation was 29-38 and loss 17-23 with Citroacter sp., while it was 47-58% ( removal) , 29-39% ( bioaccumulation) and 17-21 % ( loss) with Pseudomonas putida. Maximum removal and bioaccumulation of phosphorus was 37.8% and 32.1% respectively, for P10AS15 in Citrobacter sp. In P.putida it was 33.1% and 27.2% respectively, for P10AS15.At the same level of arsenic, increase in phosphorus significantly increased its removal and bioaccumulation, but the opposite was true during calculation in terms of percentage removal and percentage bioaccumulation.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Metral, J. et al. Comparison of dissolved and particulate arsenic distribution in shallow aquifers of Chakdaha India, and Araihzar, Bangladesh.Geochem.Trans, 2008, 9, 1-18. Attanayake, C.P., Hettiarchchi, G.M., Martin, S. and Pierzynski, G.M., Potential bioavailability for lead, arsenic, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon in compost-amended urban soils.J.Environ.Qual., 2015, 44, 930-944.
Literature cited 2: Sheik, C.S. et al., Exposure of soil microbial communities to chromium and arsenic alters their diversity and structure .PLoS ONE, 2012, 7(6), e40059. Cheng, Z. et al., Trace metal contamination in New York City Garden soils. Soil Sci., 2015, 180, 167-174.

ID: 62518
Title: Restoration of old genus name Penaeus based on molecular phylogenetic affiliations sing completer mitochondrial genome
Author: C.P.Balasubramanian, V.K. Katneni, M.S.Shekhar, J.Ashok Kumar and K.K.Vijayan
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 121 (3) 423-428 (2021)
Subject: Restoration of old genus name Penaeus based on molecular phylogenetic affiliations sing completer mitochondrial genome
Keywords: Genus Penaeus, Molecular phylogenetic affiliations, mitochondrial genome, scientific name.
Abstract: Genus Penaeus sensu lato has been focus of intense scientific research for several decades owing to the high market demand for this group. Twenty-eight species of shrimps were grouped in this genus until Perez Farfante and Kensely raising the former six subgenera in this genus to generic status. Being a most valuable group, this decision made considerable concern among the end users. Recently research group from ICAR-Central Institute of Brackish water Aquaculture made a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis and confirmed the monophyletic origin of genus Penaeus. In the present article we provide a summary of the revisionary work, and currently accepted bionomial to encourage practioners to use the modern up-to-date classification.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Crisp, D.J. and Fogg, G.E., Taxonomic instability continue to irritate, Nature, 1988, 335(6186), 120-121. Teletchea, F., Systematics and Aquaculture: what could they bring to each other? J.Life Sci, 2016, 10, 240-244.
Literature cited 2: Flegel, T.W., Confirmation of the right to refuse revision in the genus Penaeus. Aquaculture, 2008, 1, 1-4. Burkenroad, D., The Penaeidae of Louisiana, with a discussion of their world relationships. Bull.Am.Mus.Nat.Hist., 1934, 68, 61-143.

ID: 62517
Title: Carbonates from the Palaeoproterozoic sleemnabad Formation, Mahakoshal basin, Central India
Author: Aditi Sharma and Partha Pratim Chakraborty
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 121 (3) 414-421 (2021)
Subject: Carbonates from the Palaeoproterozoic sleemnabad Formation, Mahakoshal basin, Central India
Keywords: Carbonate succession, facies types, mass flow, proximal-distal relation
Abstract: Facies and facies succession analysis from four sections in a ~12 m thick carbonate succession, hitherto undescribed, exposed over an east-west transect over 600 km from the topmost part of the Paleoproterozoic Sleemanabad Formation, Mahakoshal Group, Central India reveals facies development in a proximal-distal relation. The facies types include microbialite and stromatolite, interbedded limestone-mudstone, intraclastic conglomerate, pyrite bearing dark-coloured limestone and massive/normal-graded conglomerate and fine-grained sandstone. While microbialites and isolated stromatolites (rarely conjoined) with seafloor precipitate are interpretated as a product of proximal peritidal deposition, the dark-coloured pyrite bearing limestone represents the distal platform deposition below storm wave base.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Gradstein, F.M., et al (eds) , .The Geologic Time Scale, Elsevier, 2012, p. 1145. Dalziel, I.W., Overview: Neoproterozoic-Plaeozoic geography and tectonics: review, hypothesis, environmental speculation. Geol.Soc.Am.Bull, 1997, 109 (1), 16-42.
Literature cited 2: Hoffman, P.F., Kaufman, A.J., Halverson, G.P. and Schrag. D.P., A Neoproterozoic snowball Earth. Science, 1998, 281 (5381), 1342-1346. Knoll, A.H., Proterozoic and Early Cambrian protists: evidence for accelerating evolutionary tempo.Proc.Natl.Acad.Sci., USA, 1994, 91 (15), 6743-6750.

ID: 62516
Title: Prediction of wheat yield using spectral reflectance indices under different tillage, residue and nitrogen management practices
Author: Sujan Adak, K.K. Bandyopadhyay, R.N. Sahoo, N. Mridha, M. Shrivastava and T.J. Purakayastha
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 121 (3) 402-413 (2021)
Subject: Prediction of wheat yield using spectral reflectance indices under different tillage, residue and nitrogen management practices
Keywords: Canopy reflectance, regression models, spectral indices, wheat, yield production
Abstract: Effect of tillage, residue mulch and nitrogen management of canopy spectral reflectance indices and their potential to predict the grain and biomass yield of wheat in advance were studied in a field experiment conducted at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute , New Delhi during 2016-17 and 2017-18.The canopy reflectance was measured using a band-held ASD FieldSpec spectroradiometer at booting, milking and dough stage of wheat .Then 38 hyperspectral structural indices were recorded using the spectral reflectance data and correlated with wheat yield. It was observed that correlation of these indices with wheat grain and biomass yield was maximum for the booting stage. Among the 38 indices recorded at the booting stage, 13 showed significantly higher correlation with grain yield and 10 indices with biomass yield of wheat (r≥ 0.8). Regression models were developed between grain and biomass yield of wheat with these identified spectral indices recorded at booting stage for 2016-17. Validation of these regression models during 2017-18 showed that normalized difference red edge index (NDREI)-based model performed best for grain and biomass prediction. It could account for maximum 76.4% and 84.3% variation in the observed grain and biomass yield of wheat with root mean square error of 37.8% and 50.5% of the corresponding mean values respectively. Thus, the regression models based on NDREI recorded at booting stage can be successfully used for the prediction of grain and biomass yield of wheat in advance.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Rashidi, M. and Keshavarzpour, F., Effect of different tillage methods on soil physical properties and crop yield of watermelon (Citrullus vulgaris) ARPN J.Agric.Biol.Sci. Sci., 2007, 2 (6), 1-16. Kumar, S. et al., Long-term tillage and drainage influences on soil organic carbon dynamics, aggregate stability and corn yield. J. Soil Sci., Plant Nutr., 2014, 60 (1), 108-118.
Literature cited 2: Ogban,P.I., Ogunewe, W.N., Dike, R.I., Ajaelo, A.C., Ikeata, N.I., Achumba, U.E., and nyong, E.E., Effect of tillage and mulching practices on soil properties and growth and yield of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L) , Walp) in Southeastern Nigeria.J.Trop.Agric., Food., Environ. , Extension, 2008, 7 (2), 118-128. Anikwe, M.A.N. and Ubochi,J.N., Short-term changes in soil properties under tillage systems and their effect on sweet potato (Ipomea batata L) growth and yield in an Ultisol in South-eastern Nigeria. Soil Res., 2007, 45 (5) , 351-358.

ID: 62515
Title: Unambiguous detection of OH and H2o on the Moon from Chandrayaan-2 Imaging Infrared Spectrometer reflectance data using 3 µm hydration feature.
Author: Prakash Chuahan, Mamta Chauhan, Prabhakar A.Verma, Supriya Sharma, Satadru Bhattacharya, Aditya Kumar Dagar, Amitabh, Abhishek N.Patil, Ajay Kumar Parashar, Ankush Kumar, Nilesh Desai, Ritu Karidhal and A.S.Kiran Kumar
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 121 (3) 391-401 (2021)
Subject: Unambiguous detection of OH and H2O on the Moon from Chandrayaan-2 Imaging Infrared Spectrometer reflectance data using 3 µm hydration feature.
Keywords: Imaging infrared Spectrometer, Lunar hydration, Moon, Reflectance data, Thermal correction
Abstract: Imaging Infrared Spectrometer (IIRS) on-board Chandrayaan-2 is designed to measure lunar reflected and emitted solar radiation in 0.8-5.0 µm spectral range. Its high spatial resolution (~80m) and extended spectral range is most suitable to completely characterize lunar hydration (2.8-3.5 µm region) attributed to the presence of OH and/or H2o.Here we present initial results from IIRS reflectance data analysed unambiguously detect and quantify lunar 3 µm absorption feature. After pre-processing and data-reduction, a physics based thermal correction analysis of IIRS reflectance spectra has been done using co-located temperature measurements. Hydration absorptions observed at all latitudes and surface types with varying degrees for all pixels in the study area and its absorption depth shows distinct variability associated with mineralogy, surface temperature and latitude.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Papike, J.J., Taylor, L., and Simon, S., Lunar minerals. In the Lunar Source Book (eds Heiken, G.H., et al), Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK, 1991, pp 121-182. Lucey, P.G., et al., Understanding the lunar surface and space-Moon interactions. Rev. Mi. Geochem. 2006, 60, 83-219.
Literature cited 2: Lucey, P.G., The poles of the Moon. Elements, 2009, 5, 41-46. Pieters, C.M. et al., Character and spatial distribution of OH/H2O on the surface of the Moon seen by M3 on Chandrayaan-1. Science, 2009, 326, 568-572.

ID: 62514
Title: Sentinel-2 images for effective mapping of soil salinity in agricultural fields
Author: Khalid A.Al-Gaadi, ElKamil Tola, Rangaswamy Madugundu and Ronnel B.Fulleros
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 121 (3) 384-390 (2021)
Subject: Sentinel-2 images for effective mapping of soil salinity in agricultural fields
Keywords: Agricultural lands, multiple linear regression, satellite data simplified brightness index, soil salinity
Abstract: Salinity is a critical feature for the management of agricultural soil, particularly in arid and semi-arid areas. The present study was conducted to develop an effective soil salinity prediction model using Sentinel 2A (S2) satellite data. Initially, the collected soil samples were analysed for soil salinity (ECe). Subsequently, multiple linear regression analysis was carried out between the obtained ECe values and S2 data, for the prediction of soil salinity models. The relationship between ECe and S2 data, including individual bands, band ratios and spectral indices showed moderate to highly significant correlations (R2 =0.43-0.83). A combination of SWIR-1 band and the simplified brightness index was found to be the most appropriate (R2=0.65; P<0.001) for prediction of soil salinity. The results of this study demonstrate the ability to obtain reliable estimates of EC using S2 data.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Asfaw, E., Suryabhagavan, K.V. and Argaw, M., Soil salinity modelling and mapping using remote sensing and GIS: the case of Wonji sugar cane irrigation farm, Ethiopia. J. Saudi Soc. Agric. Sci., 2016, 17 (3) , 250-258; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jssas.2016.05.003. Gorji, T., Sertel, E. and Tanik, A., Monitoring soil salinity via remote sensing technology under data scarce conditions: a case study from Turkey. Ecol. Indic., 2017, 74, 384-391; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2016.11.043.
Literature cited 2: Gorji, T., Tanik, A., and Sertel, E., Soil salinity prediction, monitoring and mapping using modern technologies.Procedia.Earth Planet.Sci.,, 2015, 15, 507-512; https://doi:10.1016/j.proeps.2015.08.062. Corwin, D. and Lesch S., Application of soil electrical conductivity to precision agriculture .Agron.J. 2003, 95 (3), 455-471; https://doi: 10.2134/agronj2003.0455.

ID: 62513
Title: Assessing the energy efficiency practices in cities across the world
Author: Manas Vijayan, Akshay Patil, Vijay Kapse and Sarika Bahadure
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 121 (3) 372-383 (2021)
Subject: Assessing the energy efficiency practices in cities across the world
Keywords: Best practices, embodied, energy-efficient urban planning, greenhouse gases, operational and transport energy
Abstract: Urban areas consume early two-thirds of the global energy and are responsible for 70% of overall green-house gas emissions. This energy can be broadly classified into three categories, i.e., embodied, operational and transport. Energy-efficient urban planning is an attempt to reduce the use of non-renewable energy sources, without sacrificing the quality of service. The strategies formulated for addressing energy efficiency will be targeting one or more of the energy efficiency will be targeting one or more of the energy types mentioned above. The present study evaluates the energy efficiency strategies adopted by cities across the world which are cited as best practices by the International Energy Agency. One of the key observations from this study is that most strategies address operational energy, while few address transport energy. For the purpose of assessing the impacts of these strategies, technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution analysis was carried out which revealed an overall poor performance score for the case cities, with highest score for Stockholm and lowest for Austin. It is also evident from the study that there is a lack of detailed energy assessment of cities prior to formulation of energy efficiency strategies. This study demonstrates a framework that can be adopted for assessing urban energy efficiency strategies and helps to identify the issues pertaining to current practices.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: International Energy Agency, India Energy Outlook 2015 Paris, 2015. Nations, U., Transforming our world: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. United Nations, 2015.
Literature cited 2: Bose, R.K., Energy efficient cities: assessment tools and benchmarking practices.The Wold Bank, Washington, 2020. Banister, D., Watson, S. and Wood, C., Sustainable cities: transport, energy, and urban form.Environ.Plant B., 1997, 24, 125-143.